The Bulgarian derby in the Japanese V-League between Gunma Green Wings and Victorina Himeji offered dynamism, class, and strong individual performances from national team players Nasya Dimitrova and Mira Todorova. The two clashes from the 9th double round of the championship became a showcase for the Bulgarian school of middle blockers – and in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
First match: a convincing victory for Gunma
In the first match, Gunma Green Wings decisively defeated Victorina Himeji 3:0 (25:18, 28:26, 25:19), showing stability and dominance in key rallies.
Nasya Dimitrova scored 9 points (1 block, 1 ace, and 54% attack efficiency), while Mira Todorova finished with 5 points (3 blocks and 33% attack efficiency).
The victory solidified Gunma's position in the middle of the table, but the main intrigue was yet to come in the second match, which became a true demonstration of individual power.
Second match: Nasya Dimitrova with an extraordinary 11 blocks and 20 points
In the return match between the two teams, Nasya Dimitrova played one of her most impressive matches in the Japanese V-League. Although Gunma suffered a defeat after five sets, the Bulgarian national team player recorded20 points:
8 attack points
11 block points (!)
1 ace
This achievement not only makes her her team's top scorer but also places her among the best-performing middle blockers in the entire championship this season.
Individual statistics – second match
Gunma Green Wings (Nasya Dimitrova)
| No. | Name | Games | Attack Success | Attack Attempts | Success Rate % | Block Points | Block Attempts | Ace | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Nasya Dimitrova | 5 | 8 | 23 | 34.78% | 11 | 15 | 1 | 20 |
Of Dimitrova's 20 points, 11 were directly from blocks - a value extremely rare in modern women's volleyball. Her height, timing, and aggressive work at the net became an insurmountable barrier for Himeji's attackers.
The added ace also shows versatility in elements, despite minimal service attempts, and the total number of points highlights her central role in Gunma's tactics.
Victorina Himeji (Mira Todorova)
| No. | Name | Games | Attack Success | Attack Attempts | Success Rate % | Block Points | Block Attempts | Ace | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Mira Todorova | 5 | 7 | 17 | 41.18% | 2 | 13 | 0 | 9 |
Todorova played a stable match, maintaining high attacking efficiency - over 41% - and scoring two block points. Although far from Dimitrova's colossal 11 blocks, Mira had important interventions in key rallies that helped Himeji secure a victory from the prolonged five-set clash.
Bulgarian presence – a factor in the Japanese V.League
Both Bulgarian national players are demonstrating a high level and stable form this season.
Gunma Green Wings remains in 5th position with 11 wins and 7 losses.
Victorina Himeji maintains 3rd place with 14 wins and 4 losses.
With her 11 blocks and 20 points in the second match, Nasya Dimitrova delivered one of the strongest individual performances for a middle blocker in the Japanese V.League in recent years. Her dominance at the net, combined with Mira Todorova's stable participation for Himeji, turned the 'Bulgarian derby' into a true event, watched with attention both in Japan and in our country.
The Japanese championship enters a break due to the prestigiousEmpress Cup, and the championship will resume onDecember 27.
