Third Set: Nekoma vs. Inarazaki
Third Set: Nekoma vs. Inarazaki
The third set began with tension thick in the air. The score was tied at one set apiece, and both teams knew that taking this set would give them a crucial edge. The crowd roared as the players took their positions, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.
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Opening Rally: Inouka's Floater Serve
Nekoma's coach Nekomata had made adjustments, and it was evident from the very first serve. Inouka stepped up to the line, holding the ball confidently.
"Let's disrupt their rhythm," Inouka muttered to himself before tossing the ball into the air.
His jump floater serve was precise, sailing low and spinning erratically. Kita moved to receive it but misjudged the trajectory, and the ball grazed his forearm, flying out of bounds.
"Point, Nekoma!"
Inouka smirked, meeting Kuroo's approving nod. "Let's keep them guessing."
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Aran's Challenge
Inarazaki didn't take the early point lightly. Atsumu set a perfect ball to Aran, who launched himself into the air with his usual ferocity.
"Block it!" Kuroo shouted as he and Inouka formed a solid wall.
But Aran, with his experience, aimed for a sharp cross-court angle, threading the ball past the blockers.
"Nice shot!" Atsumu praised as the ball hit the court.
"Point, Inarazaki!" the referee announced.
Aran smirked. "Keep up, Nekoma."
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Inouka's Chained Blocks
Despite Aran's early success, Inouka began to adapt. He studied Atsumu's sets closely, anticipating their trajectory.
In one pivotal rally, Atsumu tried to set a back ball for Aran, but Inouka timed his jump perfectly, stuffing the spike with a solo block.
"Blocked!" the commentator shouted.
The ball ricocheted back to Inarazaki's side, leaving their players scrambling. Nekoma won the point, tying the score at 7-7.
"Nice one, Inouka!" Kuroo shouted, slapping him on the back.
Inouka grinned. "Just doing my job, Captain."
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Wakasa's Net Domination
As the set progressed, Wakasa began to take control. His presence at the net was undeniable, and Inarazaki struggled to contain him.
"Give it to me!" Wakasa called as Kenma sent a perfect quick set his way.
Wakasa smashed the ball with incredible force, threading it between Kita and Suna's block. The ball hit the court with a deafening thud.
"Point, Nekoma!"
Wakasa turned to his team, a confident smirk on his face. "Let's keep the pressure on."
Even Atsumu looked impressed. "This guy's a monster."
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Inouka's Floater Serve Disrupts Inarazaki
Inouka's serves continued to be a thorn in Inarazaki's side. His jump floaters forced Kita and Suna into awkward receives, disrupting Atsumu's ability to set cleanly.
One such serve resulted in a free ball, which Kenma expertly set to Wakasa. The ace finished the rally with a thunderous spike, adding another point to Nekoma's tally.
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Momentum Shifts
The score was 20-18 in Nekoma's favor, but Inarazaki wasn't backing down. Atsumu connected with Aran for a series of quick attacks, closing the gap.
Kuroo called a timeout. "We need to shut down Aran. Inouka, stay sharp on those blocks."
"Got it," Inouka replied, determination etched on his face.
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Final Push
With the score tied at 23-23, the tension was palpable. Inouka delivered another floater serve, and this time, it forced a bad receive from Kita.
Kenma capitalized on the free ball, setting Wakasa for a cross-court spike. Wakasa's power was unmatched, and the ball found the floor before Inarazaki could react.
"Set point, Nekoma!"
For the final rally, Inouka blocked Aran's spike attempt, sending the ball back to Inarazaki's side. Atsumu scrambled to set, but Suna's spike was dug by Yaku.
Kenma set the ball high to Wakasa.
"End it!" Kuroo shouted.
Wakasa soared, smashing the ball past Inarazaki's blockers. The gym erupted as the ball hit the floor.
"Nekoma wins the third set, 25-23!"
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Aftermath
The Nekoma players gathered in a huddle, their energy renewed.
"Great job, everyone," Kuroo said, clapping Inouka and Wakasa on the back.
Wakasa grinned. "We're not done yet. Let's finish this in four."
Inarazaki, meanwhile, regrouped on their side, determined to turn things around in the fourth set. The match was far from over, and the tension only continued to rise.