Thanh Thuy surpasses Bich Thuy, Gunma Green Wings maintain convincing winning streak

The eagerly awaited clash between Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Tran Thi Bich Thuy in the Japanese National Championship proved to be highly exciting, as Gunma Green Wings claimed a 3-1 win (21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20) against Okayama Seagulls.

Thanh Thuy and her teammates' comeback performance

Despite being rated higher, Gunma Green Wings started poorly. In the first set, Okayama Seagulls surprised by pulling ahead 7-2 thanks to solid defensive play and efficient utilization of opportunities. Although Thanh Thuy and her teammates tried to narrow the gap late in the set, Gunma still conceded a 21-25 loss. In this set, both Vietnamese players shone: Thanh Thuy scored 6 points (5 attacks, 1 block), while Bich Thuy also contributed 6 points (4 attacks, 2 blocks).

The second set continued to see a tight contest. Gunma played more determinedly after losing the first set, but Bich Thuy on Okayama's side remained a standout, scoring many crucial points. The visiting team even built a 5-point lead and had the chance to go 2-0 up. However, at the decisive moment, Thanh Thuy and her teammates awakened, delivering an explosive finish to complete the comeback, winning 25-22. After two sets, Thanh Thuy had 9 points, one less than Bich Thuy.

Moving into the third set, Gunma Green Wings completely dominated the match. Their diverse offense and stable defense allowed the home team to quickly establish a large gap before closing the set with a 25-16 victory.

In the fourth set, Okayama Seagulls fought to catch up but couldn't turn the tide. Gunma maintained their advantage, and Thanh Thuy herself delivered the match point with a monster block, before Gunma concluded the match with a 25-20 win, thereby securing a 3-1 overall victory. With this fourth consecutive win, Gunma Green Wings still hold the 7th position, while Okayama Seagulls remain near the bottom of the standings in the Japanese Women's Volleyball Championship.

The match concluded with notable performances from both Vietnamese players. Thanh Thuy played a key role in Gunma Green Wings' victory, while Bich Thuy also gave a determined effort but couldn't help Okayama Seagulls upset the higher-rated opponent. According to the schedule, the two teams will meet again at 11:05 tomorrow, March 14.