Japan, 8 February 2026 – Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Gunma Green Wings delivered a stunning performance as they defeated reigning champions Osaka Marvelous in the Japanese women’s volleyball league.
Just one day after suffering a straight-sets 0–3 defeat against Osaka Marvelous in Round 29, Gunma Green Wings faced the defending champions again in Round 30 and produced a major upset. The dramatic turnaround was largely driven by tactical adjustments from the coaching staff, most notably moving Vietnam women’s national team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy from her usual outside hitter role to the opposite position. The change transformed Gunma’s attacking balance and brought a fresh dynamic to their play.
The trio of Thanh Thuy, Rozanski, and Takaso combined effectively throughout the match, while Gunma’s defensive system functioned with impressive discipline. Their cohesive performance allowed them to neutralize Osaka Marvelous’ trademark attacking style. Gunma dominated the opening set 25–15 before Osaka responded with a narrow 25–22 win in the second set to level the match at 1–1.
From that point on, Gunma Green Wings raised their level. Thanh Thuy and her teammates controlled the tempo in the next two sets, winning 25–16 and 25–21 to seal a convincing 3–1 victory over the reigning champions.
The win marked Gunma Green Wings’ 17th victory of the season, lifting them to seventh place in the standings. More importantly, defeating a powerhouse like Osaka Marvelous has provided a significant confidence boost as the team approaches a crucial phase of the competition. Thanh Thuy’s adaptability and leadership once again stood out, reinforcing her importance to the squad.
Looking ahead, on February 14, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Gunma Green Wings will continue their campaign with a match against Kurobe Aqua Fairies, currently ranked ninth. Buoyed by their impressive win over the champions, Gunma will aim to maintain momentum and strengthen their position in the race for the knockout stages.
Minh Hanh
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