Hisamitsu Springs defeats Aleeza Aichi in Thailand as the new Japanese women's volleyball season opens.
The prestigious Japanese women's volleyball championship, known as the SV.League, officially started its new campaign with a high-profile international fixture held in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the opening match, Hisamitsu Springs staged a thrilling comeback victory against Aleeza Aichi, formerly recognized as the Kariya Queenseis, securing a 3 sets to 1 triumph, according to information published by WEBVOLEI.
The exciting encounter showcased top international talent on foreign soil, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive SV.League season under a completely revamped tournament format.
International Stars Shine in Bangkok Opening Match
Latvian opposite hitter Marta Levinska delivered a stellar performance for the victors, leading all scorers with 31 total points, including 28 impressive kills and a 51 percent attacking success rate.
Dominican middle blocker Jineiry Martinez contributed 17 points for the defeated squad, featuring 14 successful attacks and three crucial blocks, while American outside hitter Lindsey Ruddins also added 17 points.
New Format and Conference Structure for 2026/2027
The current season arrives with a completely redesigned structure, dividing the 14 competing teams into two distinct geographical groups known as the East Conference and the West Conference.
Each team will play 24 matches within their respective conference, alongside an inter-conference round-robin schedule, bringing the total number of regular season matches for each club to an intensive 38 games.
Playoff Race and Championship Finals in Yokohama
At the conclusion of the regular season, a total of eight teams will advance to the postseason, securing spots through strong performances within their conferences and overall standings.
The playoffs will feature best-of-three series for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final, with the championship climax scheduled to take place in Yokohama from April 17 to April 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Japan SV.League volleyball season start?
The SV.League women's volleyball season started on Saturday, October 10, with an international opening match held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Who won the opening match between Hisamitsu Springs and Aleeza Aichi?
Hisamitsu Springs defeated Aleeza Aichi in a 3 sets to 1 comeback victory, led by Latvian star Marta Levinska with 31 points.
Where will the SV.League championship finals be held?
The final playoff series of the SV.League will be disputed in Yokohama from April 17 to April 19.
