Oita Miyoshi split its opening week assignments after a straight-set defeat against Sakai, 25-18, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2021-22 Japan V.League Division 1 men’s tournament at the Nippon Steel Sakai Gymnasium, Sunday afternoon.
After a 22-point eruption yesterday, Bryan Bagunas saw himself held to just 10 points founded on seven attacks, two service aces, and a block.
Local outside hitter Naoya Takano led the Blazers with 17 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Meanwhile, import Sharone Vernon-Evans had 12 points.
Yuki Higuchi also breached twin digits for Sakai with 11 points.
The Blazers dominated the blocking department, 10-3, with 40-year-old Yoshihiko Matsumoto responsible for four and Vernon-Evans for three.
Kota Yamada also had 10 points in the losing cause as Venezuelan Emerson Rodriguez tallied nine, all from attacks.
Both squads now sport a 1-1 win-loss record.
Oita Miyoshi will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 23, against Wolfdogs Nagoya, 12:00 PM at the Toyoda Gosei Memorial Gymnasium Entrio.
