BANGKOK, Sep 4 (Kyodo/APP): Japan came from behind to edge the Netherlands in five sets at the women’s volleyball world championship , reaching the last four of the tournament for the first time in 15 years.
Outside hitter Yukiko Wada’s match-leading 27 points, including four aces, proved crucial as Japan battled its way back to prevail 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12 in Bangkok.
Early mistakes cost Japan the first and third sets, while they also had to overcome early deficits in the second and fourth sets to force a decider.
Japan began by losing the first three points but led the game for the first time at 12-11 and outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa scored the winning point.
“I’m happy to have won first and foremost,” said the captain after scoring the match’s second-highest 25 points. “I hadn’t been able to score late in previous matches, so I was determined to get one today.”
“I expect tough matches to continue like today, but we’ll stick together as a team to go for a win.”