MUFG SV.LEAGUE ALL STAR GAMES 2024-25 ISHIKAWA MEN: SV.LEAGUE Stars Gather in Ishikawa as Torey DeFalco Shines as MVP

Following the joyous women’s game yesterday, the MUFG SV.LEAGUE ALL STAR GAMES 2024-25 ISHIKAWA brought together the league’s top male players at the Toriyasai-Miso Bluecats Arena in Ishikawa, a region significantly affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January last year. In a thrilling three-set match, American Outside Hitter Torey DeFalco (JTEKT STINGS AICHI) was named MVP of the day.

The packed venue saw 2,741 spectators, bringing the two-day event’s total attendance to 5,225. This successful event symbolizes the league’s dedication to supporting the region’s recovery through the unifying power of sport.

The All-Star Game featured 28 players, selected via fan voting and league recommendations, divided into Team Masa, led by captain Masahiro Yanagida (Tokyo Great Bears), and Team Tomo, led by captain Tomohiro Ogawa (JTEKT STINGS AICHI).

The first set saw Team Masa dominate early on. DeFalco’s spikes and Nimir Abdel-Aziz (WOLFDOGS NAGOYA)’s powerful serves consistently landed points, while Taishi Onodera (SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA) excelled with blocks and service aces. Captain Yanagida added to the tally, securing a 25-16 victory for the team.

The second set saw Team Tomo fighting back, keeping the score neck-and-neck until 19-19. However, Japan’s ace, Yuji Nishida (OSAKA BLUTEON), who entered midway through the set, made a significant impact, leading Team Masa to take the set 25-22.

The third set was filled with entertaining moments. Japan’s star Ran Takahashi (SUNTORY SUNBIRDS OSAKA) took on the role of line judge, while fan-favorite Kentaro Takahashi (JTEKT STINGS AICHI) officiated as the head referee, delighting the audience. Nishida even handed over his serve to a student from the Wajima Junior High School Volleyball Club, who was helping as a court mopper, energizing the crowd further. The set extended into extra points, with Team Masa clinching it 29-27, completing their victory.

DeFalco comments: "I enjoyed everything the gym had to offer. The prefecture of Ishikawa was amazing, and I'm glad we went out there, had fun, and shared lots of laughs with the fans. That’s the most important thing. I think it’s wonderful to see a group of people come together to support this prefecture, and even better that we could create such a positive experience—not just for volleyball, but for life in general."

TEAM MASA 3-0 TEAM TOMO
(Attendance: 2,741)
☆25-16
☆25-22
☆29-27

MEN Set.1 （B Report for Set 1）
MEN Set.2 （B Report for Set 2）
Note: Official records for the third set are unavailable.

Award Winners

MUFG Prize (MVP)
Torey DeFalco (TEAM MASA, JTEKT Stings Aichi)
Note: As part of efforts to promote the charm of the Noto region and support post-disaster recovery, fresh and locally grown vegetables from the area were presented as part of the MUFG Prize.

NEO AWARD (MIP)
Taito Mizumachi (TEAM TOMO, Wolfdogs Nagoya)
Note: The NEO AWARD prizes, inspired by ideas proposed by students to aid regional revitalization, included chopsticks featuring handles made from Noto region 瓦 (kawara) tiles salvaged from earthquake debris.

Head Coach Comments

TEAM MASA

"This event was truly magnificent, thanks to the tireless efforts of our title partner MUFG and other contributors. We enjoyed playing in front of such a lively audience and had a great experience both on and off the court. It was a tremendous honor to coach Japan's top players. I am especially grateful that we could contribute through our play to support the people of the disaster-affected areas of Ishikawa."

TEAM TOMO

"It was a wonderful match, and I was delighted to share the court with players I usually compete against. TEAM MASA proved to be the stronger side. Nonetheless, it was a privilege to play in such a remarkable environment. I sincerely thank everyone who came to the venue and those who tuned in online."

Looking Ahead:
The 2025-26 All-Star Games will take place over two days, January 31 (Saturday) and February 1 (Sunday) 2026, at GLION ARENA KOBE in Hyogo Prefecture.

We look forward to seeing you at the next SV.LEAGUE ALL STAR GAMES!