Nekoma vs. Shiratorizawa: The Start of the Quarterfinals
Nekoma vs. Shiratorizawa: The Start of the Quarterfinals
The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was alive with energy as fans filled the stands for the much-anticipated quarterfinal match between Nekoma High and Shiratorizawa Academy. The clash of styles between Nekoma's defense-heavy tactics and Shiratorizawa's raw power had the crowd buzzing.
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Team Entrances
Nekoma was met with thunderous cheers as they entered the court. The crowd, filled with Tokyo locals, chanted, "Nekoma! Nekoma!" in unison. Signs, banners, and flags waved in the air, creating a sea of red and black in the stands. Among the supporters was Alisa Haiba, Lev's older sister, who had come to cheer for her brother. Her enthusiastic energy drew attention, and she stood out as she waved and shouted words of encouragement.
"Do your best, Lev!" Alisa's voice rang out clearly, causing the towering middle blocker to smile sheepishly and wave back.
On the other side, Shiratorizawa entered with their usual stoic demeanor. Ushijima Wakatoshi, their ace and captain, led the team onto the court with an air of unshakable confidence. Their fans roared in approval, a smaller but equally passionate group determined to make their presence felt in Tokyo territory.
The two teams lined up for introductions, exchanging polite but intense glances. Wakasa Kiyoshi and Wakatoshi Ushijima, the opposing aces, locked eyes briefly. The unspoken challenge between them set the tone for what promised to be a fierce match.
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Pre-Match Energy
In the stands, Kenma's sharp eyes scanned Shiratorizawa's warm-ups. "Ushijima's form is as perfect as ever. Their serves are going to be a nightmare to receive."
Kuroo smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Perfect form or not, he's going to meet a solid wall at the net today."
Lev, still energized by his sister's presence, added, "I'll make sure he remembers my name after this match!"
Wakasa stood silently, his focus razor-sharp. He stretched his arms, visualizing his spikes piercing through Shiratorizawa's defenses.
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Coin Toss and First Serve
The captains, Kuroo Tetsurou and Ushijima Wakatoshi, stepped forward for the coin toss. The referee flipped the coin into the air, and it landed in Nekoma's favor. Kuroo opted to receive, knowing that Nekoma's defensive prowess would be key to setting the tone.
The teams took their positions on the court, with Nekoma ready to face Shiratorizawa's powerful serves. Ushijima stepped up to the service line, gripping the ball with his large hand. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd quieted down, all eyes on the towering ace.
"First serve, Shiratorizawa. Ushijima serving," the referee announced.
With a powerful leap, Ushijima sent a devastating jump serve flying over the net. The ball cut through the air like a bullet, aimed at the far corner of Nekoma's court.
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Nekoma Responds
Yaku Morisuke, Nekoma's libero, was ready. Sliding into position, he dug the ball cleanly, the impact reverberating through his arms. "Got it!" Yaku called out, his voice steady and confident.
Kenma moved into position, eyes scanning the court. "Wakasa!" he called, setting the ball high and fast to their ace.
Wakasa surged forward, his jump precise and explosive, unleashing a cross-court spike aimed at the open space between Shiratorizawa's blockers. The ball thundered into the court, earning Nekoma their first point and igniting the crowd.
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Commentary
"An incredible start by Nekoma's ace, Wakasa Kiyoshi! That's the kind of play that makes him a standout first-year," the commentator exclaimed.
"But don't count Shiratorizawa out. Ushijima's serve is a weapon, and Nekoma will need to stay sharp to keep him in check," the co-commentator added.
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The opening rally set the stage for an intense battle between two powerhouse teams. The crowd roared, anticipation building with each play. Would Nekoma's strategy and teamwork be enough to overcome Shiratorizawa's brute force? Only time would tell.
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