"Scraping By" (Japanese:
Overview[]
Karasuno manages to keep up with Kamomedai and maintain a close score; however, Asahi is showing signs of cracking as Kamomedai piles on the pressure.
Plot[]
Observing the match, Date Tech members are thoroughly impressed with Kamomedai's blocking skills and their adaptability. Futakuchi harps on Koganegawa, reminding the latter that he isn't capable of processing all the information needed to emulate Kamomedai. In response, Koganegawa eagerly proclaims that he will train both his body and brain to honor Date Tech's "Iron Wall".
Back to the match, Kamomedai continues their barrage of nasty serves. Hoshiumi sends a net serve to force a first touch from Kageyama. Entrusted with the spike, Asahi manages to spike the ball over but faces great resistance from Kamomedai's blockers. Kamomedai counters with a spike from Gao, and Tanaka barely makes the save. Unaffected by the subpar pass, the oddball combo brings out their signature quick to successfully sneak through the opposing defence.
Asahi is being affected by the pressure and starting to be disheartened by his lack of contribution. He ends up driving his serve directly into the net, giving Kamomedai the lead at 12-11. Having noticed Asahi's unrest, Hirugami specifically aims his serve at Asahi to take advantage of the latter's moment of weakness. After Asahi fails to keep the ball in play, Karasuno calls a timeout. Daichi approaches Asahi and declares that he will not be cheering the latter up. On the spectator seats, Mika reveals that she pities the ace for always being targeted and under heavy pressure.
Once the match resumes, Hirugami targets Asahi once again but accidentally sends his serve out-of-bounds. Tsukishima now moves to the front while Hinata rotates back to serve. Hinata makes a easy serve that prompts Kamomedai to use a quick. Kageyama and Tsukishima land a touch to earn Karasuno a free ball. Karasuno mobilizes for an attack with Hinata scoring from the back row. Despite only being first-years, Kageyama, Tsukishima, and Hinata are showing just how reliable they are. Having seen this, Daishō ponders over Mika's statement regarding the unfortunate fate of the ace.