Kazan: Japan defeated Czechia, 25-15, 25-23, 27-25, Friday night to stay perfect in the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 at the Philsports Arena. Yoshino Sato scored 21 points, including 10 in the opening set, as the Japanese squad notched its second straight victory in the Pasig City leg to remain unbeaten after six matches this season. Skipper Mayu Ishikawa contributed 16 points, all on attacks.
According to Philippines News Agency, Japan matched the win-loss record of Brazil, which is playing in the Ankara leg in Turkiye, on top of the 18-nation table. Defending champion Italy and world No. 6 USA, which had Friday off in the Pasig City leg, have 5-1 slates, the same as world No. 4 Poland, which is competing in the Bangkok leg. Czechia, which entered Week 2 with a 3-1 card, took its third consecutive loss. Michaela Mlejnkova led Czechia with 13 points, followed by Gabriela Orvosova with 11.
The top eight teams after the nine-leg preliminary phase will advance to the finale in Macau. Meanwhile, Serbia beat the Dominican Republic, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, in the other match. Japan will next face the Dominican Republic and world No. 1 Italy will battle USA, as Serbia takes a much-needed break from the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
