Tran Thi Thanh Thuy shines, but Gunma Green Wings still cannot shock the top-ranked Japanese women's volleyball team.

Gunma Green Wings could not pull off a surprise when facing the league-leading NEC Red Rockets. Even with standout play from outside hitter Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Gunma succumbed to a 0-3 loss (22-25, 17-25, 25-27) against the highly-rated opponent.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy could not help Gunma Green Wings cause an upset.

Entering the match, Gunma Green Wings faced a disadvantage as setter Yamashita was unable to play due to health issues. This somewhat affected the team's ability to organize their gameplay. Nevertheless, Gunma started with determination. Setter Otomo coordinated well with Thanh Thuy, allowing the Vietnamese outside hitter to consistently score from the left flank. However, Rozanski's inconsistency in finishing caused Gunma to falter late in the set, resulting in a regrettable 22-25 loss.

In the second set, NEC Red Rockets quickly demonstrated why they are the top team. Their solid blocking and tight defensive coverage allowed NEC to completely control the game. Thanh Thuy and Momoko tried to find points, but the immense pressure from the home side left Gunma clearly outmatched. The set concluded 25-17, giving NEC a 2-0 lead.

With nothing left to lose in the third set, Gunma exploded onto the court with fighting spirit. NEC quickly established a safe lead, but Thanh Thuy continued to shine with powerful attacks and smart plays at the net. The Gunma representative surprisingly erased the deficit, creating a nail-biting chase at the end of the set. However, the composure and class of the league leaders spoke at the crucial moment. NEC capitalized on key points to close the set 27-25, securing an overall 3-0 victory.

This defeat was not entirely unexpected for Gunma Green Wings, but the impressive performance from Thanh Thuy remains a notable highlight, showing she continues to maintain a high level of play in the Japanese national league.