(Volleyball result) - Trần Thị Bích Thủy and her teammates from Okayama Seagulls put in great effort against the formidable Hisamitsu Springs.
Set 1: Seagulls 21-25 Springs
Although rated much lower than Hisamitsu Springs, Okayama Seagulls delivered a commendable and determined performance in the first set. Trần Thị Bích Thủy and her teammates exchanged points with the strong opponent, and even though Hisamitsu Springs pulled ahead at times, Seagulls troubled them in the final points by closing the gap to 3.
At the crucial moments, Springs' quality players secured the first set with a 4-point margin. Bích Thủy scored 1 point in set 1 with a successful block.
Set 2: Seagulls 25-23 Springs
The second set was extremely chaotic and unpredictable. Okayama Seagulls started stronger but soon lost the advantage as Hisamitsu Springs took the lead. However, Samedy and teammates made unnecessary errors during the critical points, allowing Seagulls to regain the lead at 23-20.
It seemed the victory was certain for Seagulls, but fans were nervous when the opponent narrowed the score to 24-23. Fortunately, Springs' last serve failed to cross the net, tying the match 1-1 after two sets.
Bích Thủy added another point in this set, but her attacking efficiency remains quite low.
Set 3: Seagulls 25-23 Springs
On a day when Hisamitsu Springs did not perform at their best, especially foreign player Samedy, Okayama Seagulls capitalized on their chances. Their solid and committed defense was evident, and although their attacks were not very sharp, they were enough to destabilize a shaken Springs team.
Bích Thủy played better with efforts to block and reduce the threat from the opponent's offense, scoring 2 more points (one behind-the-head one-legged hit and one direct ace serve). The Ba Vì native middle blocker now has 4 points in this match.
Set 4: Seagulls 22-25 Springs
Hisamitsu Springs gave their all to turn the match around. Currently ranked second in the Japanese national league, they quickly gained a point advantage. However, Araki and teammates still struggled against the brave spirit of Okayama Seagulls.
Only in the final points did foreign player Samedy step up to secure a safe lead for Springs, pushing the match to a fifth set. Bích Thủy scored 2 more points in set 4, bringing her total to 6.
Set 5: Seagulls 4-15 Springs
In the decisive set, Okayama Seagulls completely fell apart, while Hisamitsu Springs players like Samedy and Kitamado found their best form. The gap widened as Seagulls lost morale, made many mistakes, and failed to reach 5 points in this set.
Final result, Hisamitsu Springs defeated Okayama Seagulls 3-2 (25-21; 23-25; 23-25; 25-22; 15-4). Trần Thị Bích Thủy scored 7 points (4 attack points, 2 blocks, 1 ace serve).
After focusing with the national team at the SEA Games, Vietnamese volleyball fans will see Trần Thị Bích Thủy and Trần Thị Thanh Thúy return to play in Japan. Today, 27/12, Bích Thủy and her Okayama Seagulls teammates face Hisamitsu Springs - a very strong team in the Japanese National League.
The teams’ performances this season are completely opposite. Okayama ranks 12th out of 14 with 3 wins and 15 losses, while Hisamitsu Springs is a championship contender, currently 2nd with 14 wins. In the last 10 matchups, Seagulls have won only once.
This matchup will surely attract many Southeast Asian fans, featuring a top regional middle blocker duel: Trần Thị Bích Thủy vs. Hattaya Bamrungsuk.