"I was worried about the poor performance at the international competition, but I'm glad, I'll try harder."
Heungkuk Life won a set score 3-1 (25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-19) in the fifth round of the "Dodram 2023-2024 V-League" at Samsan World Gymnasium in Incheon on the 8th and won three consecutive games.
Heungkuk Life Insurance, which released foreign player Yelena Mrazenovic and recruited Willow Johnson, famous daughter of legendary Major League pitcher Randy Johnson, has won three consecutive games with the victory, chasing Hyundai Engineering & Construction (21-6, 65 points) who is leading the league with 21 wins and six losses with 59 points. As the team cruises without losing in the second half of the season, the mood of the team is getting higher.
Willow scored 17 points (39.5 percent) to display good performance. Kim Yeon-koung scored 24 points (51.1 percent) by herself, blasting the jeonggwanjang. Raina also scored 14 points (29.2 percent) to actively participate in attacks, although her success rate was not good. Kim Soo-ji (7 points), Lee Ju-ah (6 points), Park Su-yeon (2 points), Kim Da-sol (1 point) and Lee Won-jeong (1 point) also scored.
"I think I have improved in blocking and defense since last month," coach Marcello Avondan said in an interview after the game. He put a lot of pressure on me. It would have been better if I could have scored more, but the opponent team's blocking was good as well. "I am satisfied with our team's attack today," he said. "I like Willow's atmosphere and energy. I think the players are enjoying the game a little more. It seems that it allows other players to play more comfortably in addition to their performance."
Kim Yeon-kyung, who led the victory, said, "Willow is very bright and lively. I think that's comfortable for many players. I think that energy works well to harmonize with the team. We are so good. It is hard to keep up with the tension sometimes. It is great from the morning. Still, it is good to see the positive."
With the victory in the second half of the year, the mood at Samsan World Gymnasium was heating up. The stadium's atmosphere got even hotter as away fans of Chung Kwan-jang also cheered enthusiastically. The number of spectators stood at 3,842. A Japanese media reporter who visited the stadium to cover the match admired the heated atmosphere and asked Kim Yeon-koung the secret to the popularity of women's volleyball in Korea.
"Actually, not that many fans came today," Kim said with a smile. "There were times when women's volleyball was difficult, and there were times when we didn't get attention. However, we got support from many people as we performed well at the last Olympics. I was nervous about the poor performance of international competitions recently, but I think I got attention from fans thanks to my efforts to raise the level of the league by introducing the Asian Quarter system this season. I think we should make an effort to achieve good results at international competitions in order to continue to attract the current attention."
Kim Yeon-kyung, who is the most popular in Korean volleyball, said, "I tend to have more female fans than male fans. I think they like me to play sports passionately. It's hard for women to encounter sports, but I think they like us more when they see us overcome difficulties."
Heungkuk Life Insurance Co., which won the league title last season but was unfortunately the runner-up after a reverse sweep in the championship game, is aiming for the championship again this season. Kim Yeon-koung, who is chasing the top-ranked Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., said, "I think the situation is interesting. I feel more immersed when I play the game. Now that we have a match with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., it is important to catch the chance when it comes. I am looking forward to the upcoming match with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. as well. I am looking forward to seeing how much players will show and how I can win the game. I will do my best."
Finally, Kim Yeon-kyung sent a holiday greeting to fans on the occasion of the Lunar New Year holiday, saying, "I wish everyone a Happy New Year and happy."