The reason why Hyundai E&C remains in first place even though there are no foreigners in ‘Carreu Interview Room’
Hyundai Engineering & Construction, which has been running for first place in the women’s division since the opening of the ‘Dodram 2022-2023 V-League’. Even with the foreign main gun missing, only domestic players are shaking off the pursuit of second place Heungkuk Life Insurance.
The 5th round match against GS Caltex on the 2nd showed the reason why Hyundai E&C had no choice but to run first. On this day, Hyundai E&C defeated GS Caltex 3-0 (26-24 25-22 25-21) at the Suwon Gymnasium in Gyeonggi-do.
It was a complete win, but it was not an easy game. Hyundai E&C was dragged 20 to 22 in the second half of the first set, and seemed to be overpowered. If they gave up the first set, there was a good chance that their losing streak before the break in the All-Star game would lead to three games.
However, in a crisis, concentration shone. 37-year-old veteran Hwang Yeon-joo succeeded in a seasoned feint attack, followed by middle blocker Lee Da-hyun, who blocked Kang So-hui’s strong blow and induced the opponent to make a tie.
In the match, the key player Jeong Ji-yoon played an active part that day. Jeong Ji-yoon blocked MoMA’s spike in 23 vs. 23, and made a set point with an exquisite push in 24 vs. 24 deuce. Then captain Hwang Min-kyung blocked MoMA’s attack and won the first set.
In fact, it was the difference between winning and losing that day. GS Caltex, which gave up the first set after taking the lead, collapsed in the second and third sets as if it had lost its strength. In the second set, Hyundai E&C added Yang Hyo-jin’s direct kill and setter Kim Da-in’s witty two-step attack to win the game. 안전놀이터
Hwang Yeon-joo led the attack with 17 points, the most of both teams, and filled Yasmin’s void that day. Yang Hyo-jin also centered the game with 15 points and 3 blocks, the most of both teams.
In particular, Jeong Ji-yoon played an active part in Altoran with 12 points including 2 blocking. Before the match, Hyundai Engineering & Construction coach Seong-hyung Kang said, “We will start and put Jung Ji-yoon in to maximize his strengths on the offensive side.” Jeong Ji-yoon showed off his presence on this day by leading in attack success rate and blocking, with a height of 180 cm, which is 3 cm taller than the same outside hitter Go Ye-rim. Jung Ji-yoon also smiled in an interview after the game, saying, “I think I played my role a little today.”
However, without the help of his colleagues, it would be difficult for Jung Ji-yoon to be active. As is known, Jung Ji-yoon has a weakness in receiving. Jeong Ji-yoon’s receiving efficiency is 19th in the women’s division (30.22%), while Go Ye-rim is 44.47%, which is the highest in Hyundai E&C, and is ranked 9th overall.
Hwang Min-gyeong, the captain, held this kind of Jung Ji-yoon. Jeong Ji-yoon said, “Min-kyung unnie helps and teaches me a lot,” and expressed her gratitude, “If you feel anxious during the game, she calms you down by saying, ‘I’ll accept it, so just watch it.'” On this day, Jeong Ji-yoon attempted 24 receives, the most in the team, and 10 were correctly connected. Jung Ji-yoon smiled and asked back, “It’s still a lot of pressure to receive, but won’t it get better if you try to overcome it? Shouldn’t it be fun to overcome?”
When asked, “How many points do you want to give me today?” Jung Ji-yoon said with a shy expression, “I want to give 80 points.” In response, Hwang Yeon-joo, who was interviewed together, joked, saying, “Whoa,” and even Hwang Min-kyung, who was next to her, burst into laughter. After the three of them laughed, Jung Ji-yoon said, “65 points?” This is a scene that shows the friendly teamwork of Hyundai E&C.
Captain Hwang Min-gyeong said, “Let’s get tired of the other party when there are no outsiders, let’s try to bite and stretch with the thought that the opponent is fed up with the defense. When asked if I was going to die, they called me a ‘fluorescent zombie’,” he hinted. Hwang Min-gyeong succeeded in all 9 digs (defense that catches the opponent’s attack), 10 out of 13 libero Kim Yeon-gyeon, and setter Kim Da-in succeeded in 12 out of 14 digs.
Hyundai E&C recorded 7 wins and 4 losses in 11 games played without Yasmin. This season is on the rise, so the win rate is close to 60%. Hyundai E&C is looking for a new foreigner to replace Yasmin, who is recovering from injury for a long time, but at the current momentum, there seems to be no need to rush.