Hyundai E&C head coach Kang Sung-hyung praised veteran middle blocker Yang Hyo-jin (33) for her decisive back-to-back points in the match.
“Yang Hyo-jin is Yang Hyo-jin,” said Kang Sung-hyung after the team’s 3-1 (19-25 25-21 25-23 25-22) victory over Korea Expressway Corporation in the women’s professional volleyball match at Suwon Gymnasium on Friday. “She played an effective attack with a high success rate in a tough situation and led the team to victory.”
Hyundai E&C conceded four consecutive points in the fourth set, 20-16, to lose the momentum.
It was Yang Hyo-jin who prevented the upset. She scored back-to-back points in the center, and at 23-21, she scored again with a celestial center open attack.
Hyundai E&C closed out the match in the fourth set thanks to Yang’s strong performance.
“Moma Bassoco Letizia (registered name Moma) also helped Yang Hyo-jin a lot, so we were able to attack effectively,” said coach Kang Sung-hyung, adding, “She ran out of energy at the end, but she did a good job.”
As for Kim Joo-hyang, who played as the main apogee spiker in place of Jeong Ji-yoon, who was out with an ankle injury, he praised her for “doing her part by blocking at crucial moments” and “playing much better than in the practice matches.”
However, Kang Sung-hyung said, “Jeong Ji-yoon is currently recovering, so I think he will be able to play from the second round.” “He has pain, but he needs to return in the second round to play in his normal condition in the third and fourth rounds.”
Outside hitter Wipawi Sithong (registered name Wipai), a player in the Asian quarterfinals, said he would wait and see.
Wipai had a breakout game against IBK on Nov. 21, scoring 21 points, but was held to just six points in Game 25. He also shot just 26.09% from the field.
“The domestic professional volleyball schedule is tight, and I don’t think I’ve ever played a schedule like this before,” said coach Kang Sung-hyung, adding, “If she adapts well, she’ll be fine.” 파워볼분석