Early Dominance at Baycom Gymnasium
The matchup carried added weight after Ryukoku fell to Tokai at the same stage the previous year. Following a series of tightly contested draws across the leadoff, second, fifth, and middle matches, Rena Tanaka broke the deadlock by securing a yuko to earn a single win.
Securing the Semifinal Victory Against Tsukuba
After dropping the opening match, Honoka Kimura leveled the score with a waza-ari in the second match, followed by Mai Kojima securing a yuko in the fifth match. Momoka Kasai added a yuko before Tanaka sealed the victory with an ippon in the anchor match, sending Ryukoku to the tournament final with a 4-2 victory for the first time in three years.
Despite the high-pressure atmosphere, the team entered the match maintaining an upbeat composure. Kojima broke the scoreless tie in the fifth match, pinning her opponent with a tate-shiho-gatame for an ippon with less than 30 seconds remaining. Aomi Miyahara followed with a yuko victory in the middle match to widen the advantage.
With the subsequent third-to-lead match ending in a draw, International Pacific rallied in the closing bouts. The defending champions claimed a waza-ari in the vice-match and an ippon in the anchor match to level the team score at 2-2. Based on criteria, Ryukoku finished as runners-up.
Individual Honors and Team Reflections
Following the tournament, Miyahara and Kojima were named to the competition’s list of outstanding players.
Reflecting on the campaign, Nagamatsu noted the dedication of the senior class while recovering from a long-term injury. Obatate pointed to the narrow margin of depth in the closing matches against the defending champions and stated an intention to refocus for the upcoming Kodokan Cup.
Related reading
