On Sunday, September 29th local time, in the first round of the first half of the Italian Superlegaga, Milan, where Tatsunori Otsuka plays, played against Taranto away and lost 0-3 (21-25, 20-25, 19-25).
Otsuka was registered as a libero and started on the bench, so did not get a chance to play.
Milan was leading in the first and second sets thanks to OP Regers' (Belgium) spikes, but from the middle of the match, Taranto turned the tables and won sets thanks to OP Gironi's (Italy) and OH Hofer's (Canada) spikes and serves, and MB Alonso's (Cuba) blocks. In the third set, Taranto kept the pace from start to finish and won in straight sets.
This is the first time Taranto has beaten Milan since being promoted to the Superlegago in the 2021/22 season. This season, they seem to be an interesting team with a good mix of young and veteran players.
Milan's serving and blocking did not work, and they were unable to suppress the effectiveness of Taranto's attacks. OP Regels was particularly strong, scoring 13 points (1 serve, 2 blocks), but the outside hitters were not able to perform consistently.
It is unclear why Otsuka was wearing a libero uniform in this game. I think he probably had a minor injury, but if he had been able to play as an outside hitter, he could have been the team's savior, so it's a shame. However, with the team in this condition, I think there is a good chance that he will be in the starting lineup as soon as he recovers.
Also, Otsuka was on the screen, often encouraging his teammates even though he couldn't play in the game. I think that being able to do this regardless of language ability is what makes him good, and I hope that players who can do this will be rewarded with results.
Milan
Starting line-up: S. Porro (4), OH. Ruati (9), MB. Schnitzer (5), OP. Regels (15), OH. Gardini (5), MB. Piano (1), L. Catania
Substitutes: OH Kaziski (2), MB Kaneski (1), L Staforini
Taranto
Starting line-up: MB De Geer (6), OP Gironi (15), OH Lanza (12), MB Alonso (7), S Zimmermann (3), OH Hofer (15), L Rizzo
Substitutes: OH Heldt, L Luzzi
MVP: OP Gironi
15 points (3 on serve, 1 on block), attack efficiency rate 37.501 TP3T
OH Tatsunobu Otsuka
Not participating
Detailed match stats here:
https://www.legavolley.it/match/38208
The next match will be against Roubaix Civitanova at home in the second round of the Superlega on Sunday, October 6th at 22:20 Japan time.
Broadcast: VBTV, FOD (Perugia match only)
Photo: legavolley.it
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Japanese