Yuki Ishikawa: "It was a good season" "My goal for next season is to aim for the top" Comments after the final race of the 2022/23 season

In the Italian men's volleyball league Serie A, Ishikawa Yuki's Milan team played the third match of the playoff third place match against Piacenza away on Saturday, May 6th local time, and lost 0-3 (19-25, 26-28, 21-25).

After the match, Milan's Ishikawa Yuki gave us a comment.

-Looking back on today's game, what do you think?

Ishikawa: We didn't play our own volleyball at all in these three games, and we weren't able to fix that. There were some good moments here and there, but rather than being beaten by the opponent's serves, it felt like we couldn't play well because of our own mistakes.

-What do you think was the specific reason why you were completely defeated in the three matches against Piacenza in the third-place deciding match, not winning a single set?

Ishikawa: I had been playing really well in the 10 games prior to that, but I lost and was tired, and I also had a mental breakdown, so I think that was the cause.

-You ended up finishing the league in 4th place, but what kind of season was this for you, Ishikawa?

Ishikawa: It's hard to say how it was right now, but I think it was a good season, with solid results. But we were able to make it to the finals (almost), and this match ended the way it did, so of course I have regrets. I also think it could have been a better season. Still, I was able to get this result, so I'd like to use this experience to step up even further next season.

-What are your specific goals for next season?

Ishikawa: I want to go to the finals and win. We made it to the semi-finals, so we have no choice but to aim beyond that. If we make it to the semi-finals, we don't know who will win, so going to the finals is of course a goal, but I think it will be difficult to achieve unless we set a goal beyond that, so our goal for next season will be to aim for the top with this team.

-Finally, can you give a message to your fans?

Ishikawa: So many people came, and also people who watched the footage from Japan, and also people who watched it on the news, so I'm really filled with gratitude, and I think I've proven that I can still aim higher, so I hope you'll look forward to it in the future. I'm not trying to meet everyone's expectations, but I want to perform better and produce results that exceed them, so I hope you'll look forward to that.

Photo: Author

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