Season 4, Episode 11: ‘ A Chance to Connect’
Kageyama steps up his game, but Asahi is the star
In episode 11 of Haikyuu!! To the Top, Kageyama takes over the game. In the last episode, he finally finds his game. This episode begins with Karasuno’s “lethal weapon” a quick attack. The crowd is wowed by sight particularly the speed. Karasuno is still down 13 to 15 though. When Tsubakihara focuses on Hinata, Kageyama manages to score. Realizing the turn in dynamic the rest of Karasuno is excited. Kageyama and Hinata manage to score on another quick attack. Tsubakihara’s coach notes that if they focus on Hinata they will be falling into Karasuno’s “trap.” He encourages them to “keep up the rad blocking.” He hopes to keep the “pressure on.” The pep talk seems to work.
Tsubakihara takes the lead, 18 to 17. Hinata takes a ball to the chest. Asahi finish the rally with a kill. Hinata once again miss calculates the distance between him and the ball. Tanaka gets the ball over the net. During the next rally, Karasuno takes the lead after Asahi hits the ball against three blockers. After a freeball, Hinata scores from the back row. Karasuno now has scored three points in a row, taking a 20 to 18 lead. At 23 to 21, Kinoshita is up to serve. He misses. Despite that Karasuno scores reaching a set point. However, when Kageyama serves he dumps it in the net. Now at 24-23 its Tsubakihara’s turn to serve.
Himekawa the pinch server
Himekawa Aoi is the “pinch server” for the team. In his first official match, Aoi looks like he’s going to throw up. Suddenly, he serves underhanded hitting his teammate in the back of the head. Karasuno takes the first set, 25-23. I like how Hiakyuu keeps playing with our expectations. As a sports fan (Tennis) the better player doesn’t always succeed. Kageyama’s serving was top-notch until a set point. I assumed that Aoi would overcome his nerves and serve lights out. It seemed that the dynamic would play out that way. However, Aoi comically missed his serve. Even if I expect Karasuno to win, I won’t know exactly how.
In the second set, Aoi gets a chance to redeem himself. He takes a deep breath and sends the serve flying towards the ceiling. Daichi fails to receive it. He goes for another “ceiling serve” that Asahi and Dachi fail to even more for. Himekawa gets two service aces in a row, giving his team Tsubakihara the lead. Karasuno loses the next point. Aoi fails to get his fourth service point. He leaves the game with the teams tied. Asahi serves an ace. However, Tsubakihara scores on the point. With the game tied, Tsubakihara sends a ball over that’s higher than usual. However, Daichi can reflexively knuckle it over, giving Karasuno a match point. Sugawara is subbed in to serve. Clear minded he serves a big but it’s received. The teams engage in a spirited rally with Hinata pretending to spike, leaving Asahi to spike. Winning the game.