Japan women's volleyball team dramatic win over Serbia in Week 2 opener of VNL 2026
(Volleyball results) - Japan and Serbia delivered an incredibly exciting contest during Week 2 of VNL 2026.
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Set 1: Japan 20-25 Serbia
A big surprise occurred in the first set as Serbia overcame Japan to open the match score. Without their top star Tijana Boskovic, the outstanding performances of Aleksandra Uzelac and Hena Kurtagic were enough to trouble their opponents.
Both sides played tightly for more than half of set 1 before Serbia made an impressive sprint in the final phase. Japan will have much to do if they want to secure all 3 points in this match.
Set 2: Japan 26-24 Serbia
A set in which Japan made an impressive comeback against Serbia. It seemed another loss was coming after Serbia built a 4-5 point lead before entering the final stretch thanks to Uzelac's brilliance, but Japan fought tenaciously, gradually closing the gap, including saving two set points to level at 24-24.
Riding the momentum, Ishikawa and her teammates had a chance to secure the only set point and fully capitalized on it, leveling the match at 1-1.
Set 3: Japan 18-25 Serbia
Serbia's blocking, led by the outstanding Hena Kurtagic, continued to cause Japan trouble. Coach Ferhat Akbas's team was frustrated by the excellent defense of their opponents, while Serbia's attacks were also extremely sharp. The European representative won set 3 comfortably and was just one set away from overall victory.
Set 4: Japan 32-30 Serbia
A set with truly thrilling developments. Serbia held the advantage in the first half before Japan regained control, then a fascinating point exchange forced both sides into overtime.
Serbia had as many as five match-point opportunities, but Uzelac and her teammates failed to convert. Wasting their chances, Serbia paid the price when Yoshino Sato scored the decisive point, giving Japan a breathless win and sending the match to a decisive fifth set.
Set 5: Japan 15-7 Serbia
Quite similar to China in their win over Germany a few hours earlier, Japan, after escaping "death sentence," played freely as if unshackled, completely dominating Serbia. The trio Ishikawa-Wado-Sato performed effectively, helping the Japanese team build a big lead and cruise to the finish.
In the end, Japan beat Serbia 3-2 (20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 32-30, 15-7).
When does the Japan vs Serbia women's volleyball match take place?
Japan's squad for Week 2 of VNL 2026
Serbia's squad for Week 2 of VNL 2026
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