Kento Miyaura and Ryujin Nippon received a much-needed push from the ever-passionate Filipino supporters to end their 2024 VNL Manila Leg campaign on a high.
Japan closed the curtains to the Manila Leg of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on a rousing note on Sunday, June 23.
Ryujin Nippon orchestrated a resounding sweep of Team USA, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, in front of 12,424 spectators at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Even sans the star trio of Yuki Ishikawa, Ran Takahashi, and Yuji Nishida, the Japanese ran past the Americans, who also did not field their star duo of Matt Anderson and TJ Defalco.
At the forefront of Japan’s thrust was Kento Miyaura, who shouldered the responsibility of leading his side with a game-high 18 points on 12 attacks, one block, and five service aces.
[RELATED: VNL: Kento Miyaura, Japan make history after beating Team USA for the first time after 19 FIVB head-to-head games]
“Today, I was the top scorer but sometimes we are in a difficult moment but I tried to find a solution,” Miyaura said.
“I’m happy to win this.”
This is the first time the Japanese triumphed over the Americans in an FIVB-sanctioned match, ending an 18-game losing streak.
And Miyaura believes Ryujin Nippon would not have emerged victorious without the passionate support of Filipino fans.
“Philippine fans are pushing us many times,” he shared, as Japan closed its Manila stint with three straight wins, only losing on opening-day to Canada.
“Also Philippine fans love volleyball. They are making a very nice atmosphere.”
As the dust of the preliminary round settled, Japan, which finished with a 9-3 record in third place, will be carrying valuable experience heading into the VNL Finals and in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
“The last game was a very difficult game but we won the game so this experience [will help me] in the Olympics,” Miyaura said.