VNL: Japan edges out Serbia in five-set thriller

MANILA, Philippines — JAPAN capped an exciting opening playdate of the Volleyball Nations League in Pasig City with a tight win against Serbia, 20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 32-20, 15-7 on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena. Mayu Ishikawa and Yukiko Wada combined for six of Japan’s nine attack points as they found another gear in the fifth set, while Serbia seemed to stall. Ishikawa finished with 24 points on 23 attacks and a block as Japan made it five wins in as many matches this season in t