JAPAN’S Kindai University overpowered Australia’s ProVolley Academy, 25-15, 25-12, 25-13, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Japanese side dominated with 53 attacks, seven blocks, and two aces in a 65-minute performance.
In contrast, ProVolley Academy struggled to keep up, managing just 24 attacks, a single block, and no aces.
Haruka Misugi tallied 16 points for Kindai University.
Ryutaro Aun contributed 12 points, all from attacks, while Tojiro Shimomasu added 10 markers for the Japanese squad, who now share early tournament lead with Savouge.
‘I appreciate being able to play volleyball in front of Philippine fans. It’s a big challenge going up against the Philippine teams,’ he said.
Off the bench, Kentaro Hata added seven points, and Yoshiki Yasuda contributed eight points, 11 excellent receptions, and seven digs.
Fil-Japanese middle blocker Yuma Onabe, listed as the team’s second libero, did not see action.
ProVolley Academy’s top scorer was Samuel Hansen with 10 points.
Filipinos Jude Aspero and JR Prospero also shone despite the loss, with Aspero posting five points and 11 excellent receptions, and Prospero recording 11 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Kindai University will face top-seeded Criss Cross on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
All matches are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.