Nagasaki International University Men’s Volleyball Team Finishes Second After Fierce Battle with Fukuoka University in Kyushu University Autumn League

Key points

From September 26 to October 18, 2026, the Kyushu University Autumn Men's Volleyball Division 1 League was held. Nagasaki International University's men's volleyball team finished with a 6-1 record, contending closely for the championship with Fukuoka University. Although they lost in straight sets to Fukuoka University in the final match, they secured second place by a narrow margin in set ratio and point ratio. The team emphasized vocal communication during play, with libero and captain Kodai Hiiragi and ace Daikichi Yamaguchi playing central roles in motivating the team. Looking ahead, they will participate in the All Japan Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship starting November 30, facing Osaka Sangyo University in their opening match. [1] [3]

Nagasaki International University's Performance in the Kyushu University Autumn League

The Kyushu University Autumn Men's Volleyball Division 1 League took place from September 26 to October 18, 2026. Nagasaki International University finished with six wins and one loss, competing closely with Fukuoka University for the championship. The Division 1 League featured eight teams playing a round-robin format, with the final week held from October 16 to 18 at Saga Plaza. Nagasaki International University competed against teams including Fukuoka University, Nishinihon Institute of Technology, and Kyushu Sangyo University. Ultimately, Fukuoka University won the championship, with Nagasaki International University placing second by a slim margin in point ratio. [1] [3]

In the final match, Nagasaki International University lost in straight sets to Fukuoka University. Both teams ended with identical 6-1 records and matched set ratios, so the ranking was decided by point ratio. Fukuoka University had a point ratio of 1.309, while Nagasaki International University had 1.285, resulting in Fukuoka University's championship victory by a narrow margin. Nagasaki International University showed strong performance by finishing second in both the spring and autumn leagues, earning high recognition for their strength in the Kyushu region. [1]

Characteristics of the Nagasaki International University Team and Key Players

The Nagasaki International University men's volleyball team, under their coach's guidance, adopted a strategy emphasizing vocal communication to reduce errors and foster a positive team atmosphere. Players focus on calling out before the ball drops and actively communicate during play to prevent mistakes. Due to having few tall players, the team prioritizes tactics that limit opponents' attacking options through serving and blocking to gain defensive advantages. Off the court, the team values punctuality, greetings, and basic manners, emphasizing character development alongside athletic performance. [1] [2]

The team's core players are libero and captain Kodai Hiiragi and ace Daikichi Yamaguchi. Despite being 168 cm tall and relatively small, Hiiragi leads with loud, precise instructions and earned the Fighting Spirit Award, Serve Receive Award, and Libero Award in the spring league. Yamaguchi, a third-year student, possesses height and potential and is expected by the coach to be the team's ace, though improvement in defense is also sought. Both players serve as the vocal leaders of the team, energizing their teammates. The coach has set the goal of reaching the top eight in the All Japan Intercollegiate Championship and identifies strengthening serving and defense as key challenges. [1]

Future Outlook: Participation in the All Japan Intercollegiate Championship and Opening Match Opponent

The Nagasaki International University men's volleyball team will participate in the All Japan Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship starting November 30, 2026. This tournament features 64 men's and 64 women's teams competing in a knockout format held in Tokyo. Nagasaki International University is scheduled to face Osaka Sangyo University, the second-place team from the Kansai Division 1, in the first round on December 1. The team aims to reach the top eight in this national tournament and is focusing on strengthening their serving and defensive skills. Their future performance is highly anticipated. [1]

The team is preparing to compete against strong opponents nationwide in the All Japan Intercollegiate Championship by emphasizing improvements in serving and defense. Their upcoming matches are expected to showcase their continued development and competitive spirit. [1]