VNL: Japan braces for Poland matchup after streak-ending loss to Italy

MANILA, Philippines—After absorbing a tough loss to Italy in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL)  on Saturday, Japan is already setting its eyes on its next tough challenge.

As if having their 10-game winning streak end was not tough enough, Ryujin Nippon will now have to face the No. 1-ranked country Poland on the VNL’s last day of the Manila leg.

Yuji Nishida, though, knows the gravity of the challenge they would have to overcome.

“Next game will be a tougher game. We’ll face the world rankings’ number one in Poland which has higher blocks, spikes, everything,” said Nishida at MOA Arena after scoring 20 points in their loss to Italy.

“I hope to try and change the rankings, that’s the important thing in this (Volleyball) Nations League, so I hope to get to the win.”

Earlier that same day, Poland swept Canada in convincing fashion, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25.

The Polish, so far, has been on a roll in the VNL with a 9-2 record.

Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa also acknowledged the challenge that Poland brings, knowing they will have to “push a lot” to get the victory.

“It will be a tough game like today. We’ll come for the win so we’ll have to push a lot,” Ishikawa said.

Ishikawa finished with 21 markers built on 17 attacks and three blocks on Saturday’s heartbreaker.

Japan and Poland will headline tomorrow’s triple-header at 7 pm. China and Canada will open the final day of VNL in Manila, to be followed by Slovenia’s bout against the Netherlands.