As ONE – Saga’s Hisamitsu Springs and the SV League Quarter Finals

With the end of the 2024-2025 volleyball season, our 2025 AJET Representative Matt has delivered an excellent write-up on the efforts of our local team Hisamitsu Springs. Enjoy his delve into the exciting and ever-growing world of volleyball – and keep an eye out on chances to go watch them yourselves next season!

The SAGA Hisamitsu Springs:

Serve. Dig. Set. Spike. Kill. In the blink of an eye, a single point in volleyball can be won or lost. This fast-paced, thrilling sport has seen massive growth across Japan in recent years, especially among female fans who are falling for the sport’s volleyball idols (not that I can blame them). Luckily, Saga JETs have the women’s Saga Hisamitsu Springs team to call our own. Whether you’re hoping to become a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun night out, there’s no better way to dive into the world of volleyball.

Volleyball’s Rising Popularity in Japan

While baseball may still reign as the king of Japanese sports, volleyball is quickly becoming another favourite for fans across the country. Japan has a storied history with volleyball, having won several Olympic medals back in the 1960s and 1970s. However, the recent surge in popularity has been largely attributed to the massive success of the volleyball manga Haikyu!!, which has been adapted into an equally successful anime series and several films. Haikyu!!, along with Gintama and The Prince of Tennis, consistently ranked among the top three most popular manga for women in Shonen Jump magazine. The manga’s huge success has helped spark a surge of female fans for the sport, with more than 80% of spectators at men’s domestic competitions now women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. All of this is to say: there’s never been a better time to get into volleyball, and there’s no better team to support than our very own Saga Hisamitsu Springs.

The Saga Hisamitsu Springs 2024 –2025 Season

Founded in 1948, the Saga Hisamitsu Springs are our local woman’s volleyball team. Mostly playing out of the newly built Saga Arena, the Springs are a powerful attacking team, ranking second in successful attack% for the 2024-2025 season. Rather than relying on the talents of the single ace player, the Springs played a team-oriented game which saw each player contributing to a fantastic 2024-2025 season, finishing the regular season with a 30-14 record.

This record meant that Saga Hisamitsu Springs landed second in the standings, tied with the Kawasaki Red Rockets. In April the post-season started, with the top eight teams competing for the championship.

The Quarter-Finals – the Himeji Victorinas

During the post-season, the teams must face off in a best-of-three playoff series to advance to the next round. Two wins is all you need. But two losses is the end of your season. The Saga Springs were up against the 6^th ranked Himeji Victorinas. While we may have had the better ladder position, in the game of volleyball there are no guarantees.

Game one of the series saw the Saga Springs come out strong, winning the first set 25–15 with powerful aces, blocks, and stand out spikes from our opposite hitter Stephany Samedy. Although the Victorinas regained some momentum in the second set, strong serving from outside hitter Fukazawa Megumi helped the Springs secure it 25–22. The third set went to the Victorinas, 25–20, as fatigue began to show in the Springs’ performance. However, with clever plays by setter Sakae Erika, including a surprise dump, the Springs regained control in the fourth set, taking an early lead and finishing it 25–19 to win the game. One victory down, one more to go.

Game two of the series was all business for the Saga Springs. From the first whistle, they played with confidence and cohesion, taking the opening set 25–20 behind sharp serves, steady defense, and relentless attacks from both wings. The second set followed a similar script. Fukazawa Megumi continued to shine on the outside, while Samedy hammered home point after point, sealing another 25–20 win. But the third set was a battle. The Victorinas weren’t ready to go down without a fight, pushing the set into a tiebreaker. Saga would need to score twice in a row to win the match. But when the pressure mounted, the Springs stayed cool. With a final smash from Samedy, the final set ended 27–25. The Springs had advanced to the semi-finals.

The Semi-Finals – the Kawasaki Red Rockets

The semi-finals opened with a tough match against the Kawasaki Red Rockets, and from the start, it was clear this wouldn’t be an easy road. The Red Rockets came out aggressive, taking the first set 25–20 with sharp hitting and tight blocking. But the Springs weren’t rattled. In a nail-biting second set, they fought point for point, and with nerves of steel, edged out a 26–24 win to even things up. The momentum, however, didn’t last. The third set slipped away quickly, 25–17, as errors began to creep in and the Rockets capitalised on every opportunity. The Springs tried to rally in the fourth, staying within striking distance, but despite a late push, the set ended 25–22. Game one was over, a loss for the Saga Springs.

Game two of the semi-finals was a complete turnaround. The Saga Springs came out with fire in their eyes and something to prove. From the first serve, they dominated the court, taking the opening set 25–16 with ruthless efficiency, driven by sharp serving and rock-solid defence. The second set was tighter, with Kawasaki pushing back hard, but the Springs held firm. Big swings from Samedy and smart plays from setter Sakae Erika helped them edge out a 25–23 win. By the third set, the momentum was all Saga’s. They stormed ahead early and never looked back, closing it out 25–16 in convincing fashion. A straight-sets win, and just like that, the Springs forced a decisive game three.

The final game. Do or die. With a win, the Saga Springs would go on to the finals. But a loss would mean the end of the season. The Springs came out swinging, trading points with the Red Rockets in a tense opening set, but a few late errors tipped the balance, and Kawasaki snatched it 25–23. From there, the momentum shifted. The second set saw the Red Rockets take full control, punishing every misstep and shutting down Saga’s attack, cruising to a 25–14 win. The Springs tried to regroup in the third, but the energy was fading. Despite flashes of brilliance, they couldn’t slow the Rockets’ rhythm, and the set slipped away 25–15. Just like that, the season came to a close. A tough loss, but a hard-fought journey all the way.

The Kawasaki Red Rockets advanced to the finals, where they faced the Osaka Marvelous. From the first serve, Osaka took control. Their crisp teamwork, relentless attacks, and airtight defence proved too much for the Rockets. In two straight games, without dropping a single set, the Marvelous sealed the championship. It was a dominant finish to the season and a well-earned title for Osaka.

SV League 2025 –2026 Season

While the season may have come to a bitter conclusion, the Saga Springs still had a fantastic 2024–2025 season. Finishing second in the regular season and making a deep playoff run have given them a strong foundation for 2025–2026. The new season usually kicks off in October, and you can keep up to date with the team’s schedule on the Saga Springs website. If you’re ever interested in attending a game, feel free to reach out to the Saga JET community. I’m always personally keen to catch a match live. Let’s go, Springs!