BANGKOK – Japan came from behind to edge the Netherlands in five sets at the women’s volleyball world championship on Wednesday, reaching the last four of the tournament for the first time in 15 years.
Outside hitter Yukiko Wada’s match-leading 27 points, including four aces, proved crucial as Japan battled its way back to prevail 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12 in Bangkok.
Early mistakes cost Japan the first and third sets, while they also had to overcome early deficits in the second and fourth sets to force a decider.
Japan began by losing the first three points but led the game for the first time at 12-11 and outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa scored the winning point.
“I’m happy to have won first and foremost,” said the captain after scoring the match’s second-highest 25 points. “I hadn’t been able to score late in previous matches, so I was determined to get one today.”
“I expect tough matches to continue like today, but we’ll stick together as a team to go for a win.”
