Soga spurs Japan to straight-set win over Argentina

Rosario, Argentina, August 26, 2017 - The second semifinal match of the 5th place bracket went for Japan as they subdued hosts Argentina 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-17) with an 18-point game of their main scorer Haruna Soga.

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The only other player within the double digits area was Japan’s Mao Ito who scored 10 times. Argentina used all of their available players during the match and the most prolific one was Sofia Meinardi with 8, one more than Candela Salinas.

It looked like it was going to be a smooth ride for Japan as they rushed to 8-0, but Argentina found their rhythm and started digging to compete. However, the damage was already done and Japan bagged the set 25-18. The local girls relied on Meinardi and Ligorria afterwards, but Soga was too much to handle and the second set was also Asian, 25-19. Salinas went back on court and tried to trigger the comeback, but Soga and Ito gave shape to a 16-10 that quickly transformed into the final 25-17.