In the first match of the Italian Men's Volleyball League playoff semi-finals, Monza, the team played by Ai Takahashi, faced Trentino on Sunday, March 31st local time, and lost 0-3 (25-27, 20-25, 22-25).
Post-match interview with Ai Takahashi
Toshiki: First of all, how do you feel about advancing to the playoff semi-finals?
Takahashi: For me, winning against Civitanova was a great achievement, but I don't think we've just made it through the tournament. We need to fight hard against Trento in the semi-finals. Of course, it's not an easy match, and I'm sure we'll have some tough matches like this, but we'll need to see how well we can endure them and fight mentally as well.
*Although the team name is "Trentino", their home town is "Trento" and the players and staff also refer to the team as "Trento".
Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Takahashi: Not being able to take the first set led to our (bad) rhythm. I myself was not able to convert the last set point, so I think that's one thing I need to reflect on today. I think today's match was decided by whether or not we took the first set, so I was able to reaffirm that it's important to take that point firmly. There's nothing we can do about the fact that we've already lost, so we just need to switch gears and focus on the next one.
Toshiki: What did you think of your own performance?
Takahashi: Yes, personally, my performance and feeling were very good, but... I felt like I was gradually being swept away by the team atmosphere and other factors after we couldn't win the first set. There were good points at key points, but I think I could have shown a little more energy. My condition was good, so I think I need to keep the good feeling I had in mind and carry it over into next Wednesday's match against Trento.
Toshiki: What else do you think will be necessary to win the next match against Trent?
Takahashi: We started today after the match against Civitanova, so I think the team was a little tired, so we want to refresh ourselves and really dominate the game from the first point, or rather, from the first set. Of course, it's about getting points, but I think that in the end, the mindset is also important, so I want to be better than my opponent, or at least, to be better in terms of mindset.
Toshiki: Good luck in the next match. Thank you very much.
Takahashi: I'll do my best. Thank you very much.
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