On May 10 in Osaka, during the SV League Championship semifinal, Takahashi Ran (24) of the Suntory Sunbirds Osaka showcased the “dominance of a star” in a decisive clash against Wolfdogs Nagoya.
The Sunbirds had won the first match 3-0 the previous day, but on this day, they faced a determined Wolfdogs team fighting for survival. After losing the first set, they found themselves trailing in the second set as well. Although the series was a best-of-two and Suntory held the advantage, the game’s unpredictable nature made the atmosphere tense.
In the second set, which went to deuce, it was Takahashi who delivered the final blow at 30-29. After clinching the set point, he let out a fierce roar, resembling a king of beasts taking down its prey.
The Suntory Sunbirds Osaka secured their spot in the SV League Championship finals. (Photo by Sunao Noto, a presto)
“What were you shouting at that moment?”
Takahashi paused briefly, recalling the moment, and continued: “I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I think I was encouraging myself. Whether I took that point or not would have changed everything for both me and the team. It was a point full of emotion. Knowing that winning that set would put us in a stronger position for the next one, that feeling just came out.”
That moment marked a turning point. While every point matters, it is the ability to deliver the final blow in critical moments that defines an ace’s composure and star quality. As last season’s Championship MVP, Takahashi stands apart in this regard.
“I believe it’s the ace’s role to secure the final point,” Takahashi stated calmly. He appears to embrace the pressure fully, yet he also seems capable of reducing or even nullifying it. This enigmatic quality may be what makes a star.
“Winning in tight situations is essential in competition. To win the championship, you need that strength—the ability to show your grit in the final stages,” Takahashi said, adding that his instincts in those moments are almost intuitive.
**A Season of Aggressive Play**
After losing the first set, the Sunbirds fought back to win the second set in a reversal. They controlled the third set, and despite struggling against the opponent’s resilience in the fourth set, Takahashi scored the 23rd point himself to tie the game. From there, his serve put Suntory in an advantageous position, and they won 25-23. His play was sharp and relentless, as if to prove that a cornered rat should not be allowed to bite the cat.
In the latter part of the fourth set, Takahashi’s clutch performance stood out. He earned a point with his spike, broke the opponent’s reception with his serve, and took the lead—a textbook Suntory victory pattern.
Without showing signs of fatigue, Takahashi responded passionately: “When I serve, the front players are strong blockers, and we have Ogawa (Tomohiro) and Sekita (Masahiro) in the back row in the strongest rotation. Whether I go for a safe serve or an aggressive one changes the opponent’s attack and our blocking system. Since we can’t win at the block without attacking, I think I served my best. I was tired, but I stayed focused.”
This season, Takahashi has shown an aggressive approach, particularly with his serves. In previous seasons, he mainly used short serves without forcing power serves, aiming to disrupt the opponent’s reception while relying on the team’s strong block. However, this season, he has actively chosen to attack, keeping opponents off balance.
“Takahashi drops the ball in any situation, but then he also hits hard down the line,” Wolfdogs players commented. He has become a pitcher capable of throwing both sharp breaking balls and blazing fastballs with control.
Takahashi’s offensive power has clearly increased. Setter Sekita praised him, saying, “Takahashi’s right-side attack is a strength. He has exceptional focus in crucial moments, and we see it as a weapon.” Those words carry great weight.
The two, having been teammates on the national team, had no issues with coordination, but their trust has grown through matches. For instance, in the first set of the first match, from a tight 21-21 situation, Sekita set the ball from nearly out of Takahashi’s sight, and Takahashi drove it past a single blocker.
“Trust from Sekita-san means I’ve earned that confidence, and I’m glad I could fulfill that role,” Takahashi said.
Last season, he was named Best Six (outside hitter) and Best Receiver, but this season he has surpassed those numbers, reflecting the mindset of an ace. His defensive stats have also improved. Despite being studied by opponents as the defending champions’ ace, he has been the driving force behind the team’s top finish in the regular season.
On May 15 in Yokohama, the defending champion Sunbirds will face Osaka Bluteon in a decisive battle. The value of the ace will be put to the test.
Looking ahead to the final, Takahashi said, “I’m not thinking too much about defending the title. I just want to take it one game at a time. Last season we won, but just reaching the final doesn’t guarantee victory.”
In the balance of ambition and detachment, a transcendent portrait of a star emerges.
