NEC Red Rockets finished off defending women’s Japan V.Premier League champions Hisamitsu Springs of Kobe in two five set matches.
In the best of two series, the Red Rockets came out on top in the first match 3-2, (20-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23, 20-18) and in the second match for the title 3-2, (23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 18-25, 15-6). With the win, it makes it the Red Rocket’s seventh Japan title – only Hitachi Belle Fille (club disbanded in 2001) have amassed more championships with 18.
In both matches of the series, the Red Rockets were not able to come out on top in the first set, giving themselves an early disadvantage. They would, however, fight back in the second to tie it back up. In the finals, the Red Rockets were able to go up 2-1 in the match after taking the second and third sets, but couldn’t put it away in the fourth, sending the finals into a fifth and deciding set. The Red Rockets were ready to gain their title, dominating the final set for the championships 15-6.
For the Red Rockets, Emiliya Nikolova scored 35 points in the first match and 20 in the second, leading the team to victory.
Each of the teams in the finals will be playing at the 2017 FIVB Club World Championship from May 14-18. Hisamitsu Springs will play host to the field of competition. The two squads will be joined by current South American Champions Rexona Sesc Rio de Janeiro and the European champions that will emerge from the Champions League that will take place from April 22-23 in Treviso.
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