Second Set: Komomedai Strikes Back
Second Set: Komomedai Strikes Back
The atmosphere in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was as tense as ever as the second set began. Nekoma, having narrowly secured the first set, was determined to maintain their momentum, but Komomedai wasn't ready to back down. Their experience and renowned defense were on full display, turning the second set into a grueling battle of wits and endurance.
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Opening Exchanges
"Let's go, Nekoma!" Lev shouted, bouncing on his feet as he prepared to attack.
"We're not letting them take this set!" Kuroo added, clapping his hands to energize the team.
Komomedai, however, had different plans. Hirugami started the set with a powerful jump float serve that forced Yaku into an awkward reception. The ball wobbled slightly in the air, but Kenma managed to recover it with a quick set to Wakasa.
"Bring it home, Wakasa!" Kuroo called out.
Wakasa's spike slammed into Komomedai's blockers, but this time, the Iron Wall held firm. Hirugami and his 201 cm tall middle blocker gao hakuba stuffed the ball straight back into Nekoma's court.
"Point, Komomedai!" the referee announced.
"Not bad," Wakasa muttered, shaking his head. "They're starting to read me."
Kenma approached him with a calm expression. "It's fine. Let them think they can stop you. We'll keep the pressure on them in other ways."
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Komomedai's Defense Tightens
As the set progressed, Komomedai's defense became nearly impenetrable. They anticipated Nekoma's attacks with uncanny precision, blocking Lev's spikes and digging out Kuroo's powerful hits. Even Wakasa, despite his overwhelming power, found it harder to score consistently.
"Damn, these guys are good," Lev muttered, his usual grin replaced with a frown.
"They've got years of experience at this level," Kuroo said, his tone serious. "But that doesn't mean we can't break them."
Komomedai's quick plays also came to life, catching Nekoma off-guard with their speed and precision. Their tall middle blocker executed a lightning-fast quick attack that left Inouka and Kuroo scrambling to react.
"Point, Komomedai!"
"They're using us as a warm-up," Kuroo muttered under his breath, glaring at the opposing team.
Kenma, however, remained calm. "They're predictable. Let's tire them out. Lev, Wakasa, follow my sets carefully. I'll switch things up."
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Mid-Set Tension
The score was 15-12 in favor of Komomedai, and Nekoma called a timeout. Coach Nekomata approached the team with his usual calm demeanor, but his words were firm.
"They're outsmarting you," he said, looking at each player. "You're letting them dictate the pace. Kenma, take control of the game. Use Lev's height and Wakasa's power. Kuroo, Inouka, focus on closing the gaps in your blocks."
"We're not out of this," Kuroo said, addressing the team. "They might have the Iron Wall, but we've got the brains and the endurance. Let's take this back!"
Lev grinned, his energy returning. "Yeah, let's smash that wall down!"
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A Close Battle
The timeout seemed to rejuvenate Nekoma, and they clawed their way back into the set. Kenma's deceptive sets created openings for Lev and Wakasa to score, while Kuroo and Inouka tightened their defense.
"Nice one, Inouka!" Yaku shouted as Inouka successfully blocked a quick attack from Komomedai's middle blocker.
"Don't let up!" Kuroo added, clapping his hands.
Despite Nekoma's efforts, Komomedai refused to break. Hirugami's leadership and their relentless defense allowed them to stay one step ahead. The score was tied at 23-23, and the tension in the gymnasium was palpable.
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The Turning Point
Kenma set the ball for Wakasa, who unleashed a devastating cross-court spike. Komomedai's libero barely managed to dig it out, and the ball was sent high into the air. Their tall middle blocker capitalized on the broken play, executing a quick attack that left Nekoma's defense helpless.
"Point, Komomedai!"
The score was now 24-23, and Nekoma was on the brink of losing the set.
"We've got this!" Wakasa shouted, his determination unwavering.
Kenma nodded. "One point at a time."
Nekoma managed to fend off the first set point with a sharp spike from Kuroo, tying the score at 24-24. However, Komomedai's experience shone through in the final moments. Hirugami executed a perfect quick attack with their setter, catching Nekoma off-guard and sealing the set.
"Set won by Komomedai, 26-24!"
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Aftermath
As the teams switched sides, Nekoma's players huddled together. Despite losing the set, their spirits remained high.
"They barely scraped by," Kuroo said, smirking. "They're good, but they're not unbeatable."
Wakasa clenched his fists. "We're taking the next set. No holding back."
Kenma adjusted his knee pads and looked at his teammates. "Let's finish this."
With both teams tied at one set each, the stage was set for a thrilling final set.