In the 29th round of the Polish Men's Volleyball League (Przlyga), Nysza (8th place), of which Miyaura Kento plays, played against Warsaw (5th place) away on Sunday, March 26th local time, and lost 2-3 (17-25, 25-16, 25-18, 17-25, 8-15).
After the match, we spoke with NISA's Miyaura Kento.
*At the end of the match, Nisa's playoff advancement had not yet been decided.
--How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Miyaura: As a team, we played our best in the final game of the league, and the playoffs were at stake, so we decided to do our best, and it's great that we were able to get one point in a full set. To be honest, I wanted to win 3-1 in a full set. After all, if we win, we'll get more points and it will lead to the next one. If we win, we'll be confirmed to advance to the playoffs. There's nothing we can do about what's already happened. I don't know what will happen next, but it will change depending on the results of other games, but as a team, I want to prepare for the next one. Personally, I felt that my serve was not bad from practice, and I was glad that I was able to actually get a break, but when I came in with two substitutes, I didn't spike, and I think I didn't show my presence. It's difficult, but I think I need to somehow invite the other players to bring the toss to me, and I need to show my presence in my daily practice.
--Why was Szczurek the starting setter today instead of the usual Zukowski?
Miyaura: Zukowski was sick and hadn't practiced until yesterday, and hasn't practiced for almost the entire week, so we had Patrick (Szczurek) in. Well, I think he did a good job as usual.
--Today's match was a full set, but the score difference was large in each set. Why do you think the matches unfolded that way?
Miyaura: It was the serve. After all, it was a matter of whether I would hit the serve or be hit. But in order to increase the probability of that happening, I think I need to reduce the number of aces or returning the ball directly to the opponent's court. I was watching from the outside, and even serves that weren't that strong were returned directly to the opponent, so I thought that was a waste. As for my serve, it wasn't good in the fifth set, but other than that it wasn't bad. In terms of reception... well, I'm an opposite player, so I think (laughs). But I think there are a lot of difficult balls in reception, but I think I need to be thorough in not letting the opponent get an ace with serves that aren't that strong.
- If you had won today, you would have qualified for the playoffs, but in the end, it will depend on the results of other games. How do you feel now, taking that into account?
Miyaura: I think the season is all about winning one game at a time. If only we had won that game, things would have been better. I think the winning of each game is really important, and I really feel that it has an impact on me here.
Comments after qualifying for the playoffs (received via email later)
I'm very happy to be in the playoffs. We advanced to the playoffs in 8th place, so we will play against the team in 1st place, but we will do our best and prepare for the playoffs so that we can win.
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