Kindai University stays unbeaten as Japanese squad sweeps UST-Gameville in San Juan

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Kindai University maintained its perfect start in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Monday, November 24, with a convincing 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 sweep of University of Santo Tomas-Gameville at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The victory lifted the Japanese squad to 3-0 in the tournament, reinforcing their status as one of the favorites in the league.

The first set was tightly contested, with UST-Gameville keeping pace through several strong rallies. Kindai’s combination of height, precision, and experience allowed them to edge ahead at key moments and eventually claim the set. The Japanese side then gained full control in the second set, winning 25-17, and set the stage for a dominant third set.

Ryutaro Aun powers Kindai University to a strong start in the third set. [Spikers Turf photo]

Kindai eyes toppling defending champions

In the third set, Kindai University started strong, racing to a 10-2 lead thanks to opposite spiker Ryutaro Aun and reigning Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week Haruka Misugi. Their aggressive attacks and solid defense made it difficult for UST-Gameville to mount any significant comeback. The Japanese team closed the set 25-15, completing a straight-sets sweep.

Head coach Hideyuki Mitsuyama said through an interpreter that the team wants to showcase its skills against every opponent. “We’ve watched Cignal and we know they are strong, but we’re from Japan and we want to show Japanese pride and take the win tomorrow,” he said, referencing the upcoming clash with defending champion Cignal at Ynares Center Montalban.

UST-Gameville searches for first win

UST-Gameville, meanwhile, fell to 0-3 in the round-robin semifinals, playing without key spikers Josh Ybañez, JJ Macam, and Al-Bukharie Sali due to Alas Pilipinas duties. The Golden Spikers struggled to find their rhythm and could not match Kindai’s height and offensive firepower.

The team will now focus on its next game against another winless squad, ProVolley Academy of Australia, in hopes of recording its first tournament victory. UST-Gameville’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of adjusting strategies and staying mentally resilient for upcoming matches.