Aran Mare Akita lost to Yamanashi 56-71. It was the start of two consecutive losses in the new year. Head coach Hirofumi Kojima (54) said, “The role of each player has become halfway. It’s a pity that I couldn’t win, but I want to do my best without being a challenger. I changed my mind to the match against Tokyo Haneda (15th and 16th), where I greeted him at home.

It looked like he was awake, but it didn’t lead to victory. 17-32 second quarter (Q). Starting with a 3-point shot by Mahoko Kuoka (27), she scored 6 consecutive points in a rage. In addition, just before the end of the same Q, he sank two free throws, caught up with the behind by a maximum of 13 points, and turned back the first half. Hisaoka said, “It is one harvest to recover from the difficult situation and catch up.” The mood of the counterattack increased, but in the second half, small mistakes overlapped and it was pushed out. 15 points difference when finished. “I feel regret because I was in a catch-up mood. I couldn’t finish the shot,” he said.

When does the goddess of victory smile? On the 2nd, all the players including the leaders prayed for victory. I visited Hiyoshi Shrine, which is known as a famous power spot in Akita City. Ayaka Ozawa (26) said, “I asked for your first victory in the (W League).” However, the first victory is entrusted. Hisaoka emphasized his words, “I want to pull the team and get involved in the score.”

We believe that the long-awaited “W League 1 win” is steadily progressing, and we will continue to improve our team strength.[Norikazu Sato]