The 77th National High School Volleyball Championship, held under the title of Japanet Cup, kicked off its semifinals on January 11, drawing volleyball enthusiasts to the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. The tournament is witnessing intense competition as teams battle for supremacy, with the girls’ semifinals generating considerable excitement.
One of the standout matches saw Shimokitazawa Seigaku from Tokyo face off against Kinran Academy from Osaka. Shimokitazawa, the previous year’s runner-up, fought to secure their place for another shot at the title. The first set started with Shimokitazawa taking the lead, racing to 8-2 by the first technical timeout. Despite Kinran’s initial struggles, they rallied behind the impressive play of first-year student Saai Omori, who contributed significantly to their offense. Yet, Shimokitazawa, led by captain Yeomon Mya, swiftly contained Kinran's resurgence, winning the set 25-20.
Entering the second set, Kinran Academy began strong, showcasing their potential. The mid-game swing saw Shimokitazawa catching up to tie the score at 12-12. From there, the match turned competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. Kinran regained momentum to go up 18-16 before Shimokitazawa again leveled the game. A climactic finish unfolded with Kinran taking the set 25-22, sending the game to the third set tied at one set each.
During the third set, Kinran Academy continued to display dominance, jumping to a significant lead early on, eventually closing it out 25-20 after maintaining decisive scoring moments against Shimokitazawa. The fourth set was pivotal for Shimokitazawa as they trailed significantly, but their relentless effort paid off. Captain Yeomon Mya and teammate Chika Yanagi showcased resilience and skill, leading to Shimokitazawa's remarkable comeback to take the set 25-19.
With the match poised at two sets to two, tension filled the arena as the teams prepared for the final showdown. The deciding fifth set saw equal play; both teams exchanged leads with Shimokitazawa capturing the necessary points, bolstered by strong performances from second-year player Natsuko Uemura and Yeomon Mya. The decisive moment came when Uemura's spike secured the victory for Shimokitazawa, clinching their spot in the finals and leaving Kinran Academy fighting valiantly until the end.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal match pitted Jobu Gakuin against Kyoei Gakuen. Jobu Gakuin had entered the tournament aiming for back-to-back championships after their remarkable last season. They faced tough competition but showcased solid performance throughout the match. Kyoei put up tough resistance, but the overall execution of Jobu Gakuin’s strategy proved superior. By winning 3-1, Jobu Gakuin advanced to the finals.
Both matches highlighted the skills and strategies of high school volleyball, demonstrating the passion and drive among young athletes. The championship continues from January 5 to 12, with the finals highly anticipated by fans and participants alike. Kicking off on January 12, the final match will determine this year’s champion and solidify the legacies of both winning teams.
Fans can catch all the action on Fuji Television and various broadcasting platforms, ensuring fans do not miss this exhilarating culmination of hard work and talent on display. Tune in to see who will be crowned the champion of the 77th National High School Volleyball Championship.