Manila, June 20 -- Japan defeated Czechia, 25-15, 25-23, 27-25, Friday night to stay perfect in the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 at the Philsports Arena.

Yoshino Sato scored 21 points, including 10 in the opening set, as the Japanese squad notched its second straight victory in the Pasig City leg to remain unbeaten after six matches this season.

Skipper Mayu Ishikawa contributed 16 points, all on attacks.

Japan matched the win-loss record of Brazil, which is playing in the Ankara leg in Turkiye, on top of the 18-nation table.

Defending champion Italy and world No. 6 USA, which had Friday off in the Pasig City leg, have 5-1 slates, the same as world No. 4 Poland, which is competing in the Bangkok leg.

Czechia, which ...