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"An Opportunity Accepted" (Japanese:
Overview[]
The Karasuno vs Tsubakihara match is at its climax with Karasuno only one point away from their first victory at nationals! Sugawara joins the match as the pinch server, aiming to cause disarray in their opponents' formation. Both teams are refusing to give in, keeping up a good rally. Maruyama spikes the ball and it ricochets off the blockers, but Sugawara covers it. The match ends with a finishing blow from Karasuno's ace, Asahi! Karasuno moves on to the second round!
Plot[]
Sugawara is subbed in when Karasuno is at match point. He steps onto the court still in half-disbelief at having finally made it onto the national stage. Nevertheless, Sugawara knows exactly what he needs to do as he aims his serve at a difficult spot for Tsubakihara to receive. With the receive off, Tsubakihara entrusts their ace Teradomari to score. All this time, Sugawara is carefully analyzing his opponents. Immediately after Asahi receives the spike, Sugawara instructs Tanaka to get in position and sends him a perfect high toss. Tanaka attempts an inner cross, but libero Kaikake saves it.
Sugawara covers for his teammates after a block-out.
The two teams start an intense rally in which neither side is willing to give in. Eventually, Tsubakihara sends a toss to wing spiker Maruyama. Sugawara recalls that Maruyama is a player especially good at block-outs and is already in position to cover for his teammates. His efforts successfully keep the ball in play. Watching Daichi, Asahi, and Sugawara play, Tashiro can't help but compare these three to their inexperienced first-year selves. Hinata goes in to spike and Tsubakihara follows up with a block. It turns out Hinata is acting as a decoy as Asahi emerges from the back row to land a powerful spike that scores the final point. Karasuno celebrates as they emerge victorious in a 2-0 game against Tsubakihara.
Tashiro and Kurokawa are stunned after watching their old team's performance. Tashiro recalls the moment when he told his underclassmen about chance favoring the prepared mind. Now that he sees the new blood and the revived Karasuno, Tashiro grows emotional realizing that the chance has come.