In the semi-finals of the 5th place deciding match of the Italian Men's Volleyball League Serie A, Takahashi Ai's team, Padova, played against Monza away on Sunday, May 7th local time, and lost 0-3 (23-25, 33-35, 14-25).
After the match, Padova's Takahashi Ai gave us a comment.
-How do you feel after the last game of the season?
Takahashi: Today, we had a team goal, so even though I didn't play or only came on later, it was still a good experience for me. The way you prepare yourself is different from when you start, so you have to be ready to play whenever you're called upon, and I think that the way you prepare yourself and other aspects of that are something I gained from the 5th place match. That's what I feel after today's match.
-How do you feel looking back on this season as a whole?
Takahashi: I really feel like I've grown a lot this season at Padua. There was a time during the regular season when I didn't play in one game, but I was in the starting lineup for most of the games and was able to compete in the world's top league from the start, so I think this season was a big one for me, and I think it exposed a lot of issues for better or worse.
Speaking of growth, in what area do you think you've grown the most?
Takahashi: Compared to last year, I think my technique has improved overall, but I think the biggest thing that's improved throughout this season is my mentality when competing against the world. I've always played against 2-meter players and other top players in the world, so I've gotten used to it, and I think my confidence is even higher than last year because I've played against them and gotten results. Last year, I was still an apprentice, and I was still young, so I think I was more helped than I was leading the team, but (this season) I think the biggest area I've grown in is that I've become closer to being a leader in the team as I've been playing as the core of Padova.
On the other hand, what is your biggest challenge right now?
Takahashi: I always strive for the ability to win one point. It all comes down to serving, defense, and blocking in crucial situations, so I feel like I still need to be aware of the importance of one point.
-How do you want to use the experience you have gained in the Italian League this season for the Japanese national team?
Takahashi: This season, I played in the full match as a starter in Italy, and I have learned a lot, so I need to show it at the national team. I think I will be asked to play the role of the ace of the team, so I want to show everything I have learned and establish myself as the core of the team. I also want to aim to be in a position to lead the team rather than being helped.
-Finally, please give a message to your fans.
Takahashi: I really feel the support from fans all over the world. I owe my current success and strength to them, so I'm really grateful to them. I worked hard throughout this season to meet the expectations of the fans, so next time I'd like to show my support by playing in a way that will encourage the fans to cheer me on even more during the Japan national team match.
Photo: Author
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