Japan skipper eager to test Alas Pilipinas mettle

MANILA, Philippines – Japan national team hitter Yuji Nishida will be spearheading the Osaka Bluteon as they face the Alas Pilipinas men’s team in a set of friendly matches during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals slated over the weekend at the PhilSports Arena.

Nishida, who has previously gone to the Philippines with the Ryujin Nippon in the Volleyball Nations League, accompanies his team to play club volleyball here for the first time.

Though still carrying the fatigue from national team duty, Nishida said that he was eager to face the Philippine spikers.

“I’m so happy to join these [friendlies] after I finish[ed training] …. I hope to give more energy to the fans and prepare for the Japan V.League,” Nishida said during the pre-match press conference at the Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong. 

“[It’s] nice to meet you, [Philippine national team]. I hope I will be chosen to play for the national team next year [world championship]. [For] tomorrow, [I’m] looking forward to the game.”

It won’t just be Nishida’s Osaka Bluteon, with women’s team SAGA Hisamitsu Springs slated to face off with the women’s Alas Pilipinas team as well.

Miyu Nagaoka and Erika Sakae both bared their excitement in playing, especially the former, who previously played in the Philippines for the FIVB World Club Championships and the AVC Asian Club Championships.

“I’m so happy to play against the Philippine team. It's been a long time no see to play against the Philippines. I’m looking forward to play with [them],” she said.

Sakae, for her part, said that the friendlies will provide invaluable experience for them in preparation for the upcoming season of the SV. League.

“The Philippine fans' passion is so big so I felt and we want to inspire Philippine fans with our volleyball and next month we will [play in the SV.League] so we want to make good preparations,” said Sakae.

The exhibition matches will happen in a double-header format for both days on September 7 and September 8.