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 Milan libero, Fukudome Satomi.
T: Thank you for your hard work. Before we look back on the final, please tell us about your playoff journey so far.
Fukudome: In the quarterfinals and semifinals, even when things weren't going well, we managed to win the sets. Even when we were at a disadvantage, we were able to play well, and I think it was great that we were able to win the sets and finish in straight sets (without losing).
T: For Fukudome personally, his playing opportunities have increased again since the middle of the semi-finals.
Fukudome: My performance in practice wasn't that bad, and I thought that it would be difficult for a libero to play alone against a stronger opponent, so I wanted to be well prepared. I think I was able to perform well when I was on the field.
T: Then you made it to the finals, but you've had two straight losses, including today's, so the results have been tough. How do you feel looking back on it?
Fukudome: In both the first and second games, we lost points due to our own mistakes, which put us in a bad flow. If we made any mistakes against Conegliano, he would have gained momentum and taken the set, so I wish we had avoided making any mistakes and improved our accuracy.
T: You were in the starting lineup today, but how do you feel looking back on your performance?
Fukudome: Regarding digs (spike reception), even if I managed to pick up the ball, I would return it to the opponent in one shot. Also, I wasn't able to pick up the ball from the opposing player, Hark, at all, so I think it will make a big difference whether I can pick up the ball or not, so I would like to be able to pick up the ball in the next game.
T: By the way, did you know that it is nicknamed "Dyson" (a reference to a vacuum cleaner with high suction power that can pick up anything defensively)?
Fukudome: I didn't know it, but I heard it and now I like it, haha.
T: So, what are your thoughts on the rest of the season?
Fukudome: I think this is my last chance with this team, and this final and the Champions League that follows will be my last chance, so I hope I can show what I've been working on for the past year on the court.
T: Finally, the members of this year's Japanese national team were announced the other day. Please tell us your enthusiasm for your activities as a member of the Japanese national team this year.
Fukudome: I myself experienced the Olympics and felt disappointment there. Now that I've been selected again this year, I want to be more proactive in communicating with them. I think there will be a lot of younger players, so I want to communicate as much as possible, even as a libero. Also, in Italy, I received fast serves and spikes, and although I won't know until I get back to Japan, I feel like that's something I can learn from, so I hope I can show that.
Photo: TOSHIKI, legavolleyfemminile.it
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