Takasaki, Japan, June 10, 2017 –
Masahiro Yanagida was the hero on Saturday night as Japan edged Slovenia 3-2 (25-22, 17-25, 25-18, 22-25, 17-15) at a packed Takasaki Arena to the north of Tokyo.
Yanagida fired down two aces late on as Japan saved two matchpoints in the fifth set. He ended up as Japan's top scorer with 19 points.
Klemen Cebulj scored 22 points in a losing effort for Slovenia, who suffered their first loss in the tournament.
Slovenia were unbeaten at 4-0 entering the contest, but were surprised by Japan, who entered the match with a 2-2 record.
Japan used their speed and agility to offset the power and height of Slovenia. Japan put on an inspired performance in the first set, rallying from a four-point deficit to take the set 25-22. Yanagida was a pivotal player in the opening set in both service and attack, scoring six points. Slovenia committed 10 errors in the first set to Japan's four.
Slovenia came out fired up in the second set and dominated with strong all-around play. Balanced scoring by
Mitja Gasparini,
Alen Pajenk and Cebulj contributed to Slovenia winning the set 25-17.
Japan bounced back in the third set, executing well on defense and attack to claim it 25-18. Japan passed and blocked well and held on to the lead after taking it midway through the set.
Slovenia responded in the fourth set with strong attacking and blocking to prevail 25-22. Japan looked like they might have a chance to close out the match, but Slovenia came on in the final points.
The final set was a seesaw battle with Japan ultimately winning 17-15. The teams were level at 11 but a super block by Cebulj and a netted serve by Otake handed Slovenia two match points. Cebulj then netted a serve and Yanagida followed with two thumping aces. Japan finally killed off Slovenia with strikes from
Shuzo Yamada and
Akihiro Yamauchi.