Violet Iris Secure First Win of 2025/26 Japanese Women’s Handball League Season
Suzuka, mie Prefecture, Japan – September 13, 2025 – Violet Iris claimed their first victory of the 2025/26 Japanese Women’s Handball League season today, defeating Black Bulls (HIDA TAKAYAMA BULLS GIFU) 31-27 at the AGF Suzuka Gymnasium. The win marks a crucial early-season boost for Violet Iris as they navigate a competitive league landscape.
This result elevates Violet Iris to a 1-1 record (2 points) and fifth place in the standings, while Black Bulls fall to ninth. The match showcased a dynamic contest, with Violet Iris overcoming a first-half deficit and a late surge from Black Bulls to secure the win. The victory is significant for Violet Iris, signaling their potential to contend within the league this season.
Violet Iris’s offensive efforts were led by Maki Yamaguchi with eight goals, followed by ikebata IKEBATA with seven, and five goals from another player. Their goalkeepers combined for nine saves. Black Bulls were spearheaded by RINA TOSHIMA and Kikuchi Yuzu Leaf, both contributing seven goals, and Kana Kobayashi with five. However, goalkeeper nagi NAGI’s 14 saves were not enough to prevent the defeat.
the first half saw Black Bulls initially take control, leading 5-2 after goals from ALI Lina and Aya Kadomori. Violet Iris responded with a series of goals from First site of the Palm and MISAKI IIZUKA, tying the game at 6-5.A late push, fueled by Maki Yamaguchi, allowed Violet iris to enter halftime with a narrow 14-13 lead.
The second half began with Black Bulls briefly regaining the lead at 16-15 through Panoca Morimoto and Maiko fujisawa, but Violet Iris quickly countered. A nine-minute scoring drought for Black Bulls allowed Violet Iris to build a substantial lead, scoring seven goals, including three from Ikebata Saku, to reach 23-18.
Despite a late rally from Black Bulls,spearheaded by five consecutive goals from RINA TOSHIMA,narrowing the gap to 27-26,Violet Iris responded with four unanswered goals in the final minutes,sealing their 31-27 victory.
