On Saturday, April 19th (local time), the second match of the Italian Serie A Women's PO Final between Conegliano (Nanami Seki) and Milan (played by Keimi Fukudome) was held, with Conegliano winning 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-18). With this, Conegliano has won two consecutive finals, and is now one win away from winning the league championship.
After the match, we spoke with Conegliano's setter, Nanami Seki.
T: Thank you for your hard work. Before we look back on the final, please tell us about your playoff journey so far.
Seki: I was in the starting lineup for the first match of the quarterfinals. To be honest, I was nervous, but I played my best game of the season, so I was really happy to be able to play here. We also played against Novara and Ishikawa in the semifinals. It was the toughest match of the season, but even so, they showed their competitive spirit and, how should I put it, they managed to score a point when it was "just that one point" and I watched from the bench thinking how great it was.
T: I believe the loss to Novara in the semi-finals was Conegliano's first defeat of the season. What was the team's mood after that match?
Seki: To be honest, I was wondering what kind of atmosphere it would be. But after the match, the players were talking in detail about how they should have done it, and before the next match, the coach said, "We've gotten so used to winning that we've forgotten how hard it is to get one win, and how wonderful it is, so let's try our best again starting from this match," and I thought that was certainly true. Winning has become a given, and that's a great thing, but this match made me think that maybe our feelings about this match had faded a little.
T: And you overcame that wall and made it to the finals. How do you feel after two matches, including today's?
Seki: Unlike Novara, Milano is a strong and tall team, so we have been talking about how we have to change the way we fight since practice. I think we have been able to show that well, and the atmosphere of this venue is wonderful.
T: Speaking of atmosphere, there was a huge singing of the Italian national anthem at today's game.
Seki: Even though the recording disappeared halfway through, everyone continued singing (a cappella). This sense of unity, and the fact that these customs and cultures are a little different to those in Japan, were new to me and really fun.
T: This is our second straight win, and we are now one win away from winning the championship. Please give us a word of advice ahead of the next game at home.
Seki: We know that this will be the most difficult match, so even though we only have two days to prepare, we will do our best. I will also do my best to prepare for any situation and contribute to the team's victory.
T: Finally, the Japanese national team members were announced the other day. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this year's national team season.
Seki: First of all, I will concentrate on the Italian league here, and then I will try to bring back to Japan what I have learned here. I would like to give something back to myself and to the team if there is anything I can do to help make the team stronger, and do my best to produce results.
Photo: TOSHIKI, legavolleyfemminile.it
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