Even the opposing coach was left speechless after her Korean debut, as the "Mami effect" for Korea Expressway Corporation grows from the start [Yeosu on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"I knew their receiving and defense were good, but..."

GS Caltex women's pro volleyball head coach Lee Young-tak was left speechless. This came immediately after a 1-3 (18-25, 18-25, 25-20, 19-25) defeat to Korea Expressway Corporation in the first match of Group B in the group stage of the 2026 Yeosu NH Nonghyup Cup Pro Volleyball Tournament, held on the 12th at Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu. The "opposing coach" who applauded was Mami Uchisetto (35, Japan), Korea Expressway Corporation's new Asian quota player, who made her debut on the Korean stage that day. Coach Lee said, "The opponent is originally a team with good receiving, but Mami was also excellent. Their receiving became perfect in the first and second sets. We had no way to counter it."

Mami, whose official debut on the Korean stage was that day, started all four sets and showed her presence throughout the match. In particular, her receiving efficiency was 45.45%, the highest among players from both teams, and she consistently dug up attacks from GS Caltex, where Silva is in good form. She proved from the very first game why she had drawn attention since joining Korea Expressway Corporation, given her track record as a "Best Receiver" at the 2017 FIVB Grand Champions Cup and her world-class defensive abilities.

She did not shine only in defense. On that day, Mami recorded 10 points (58.8% efficiency), including 5 points with an 83.33% attack success rate in just the first set. This was the third-highest total on the team, following Moma (25 points) and Kang So-hee (14 points). Although her attack success rate dropped and her point count decreased as the sets progressed, showing presence not only in defense but also in offense became a great strength for the team. In fact, until just before the game, attention had been focused on Tanacha (Thailand), who transferred from Korea Expressway Corporation to GS Caltex, but after the match ended, the spotlight shifted from Tanacha to Mami, who filled the Asian quota spot for Korea Expressway Corporation.

Although it was only the first game, the one who is most pleased with Mami's performance that day is undoubtedly acting head coach Kim Young-rae. Acting Coach Kim said, "I actually couldn't express it, but I had some concerns about our offense, but she seems to have performed steadily," and explained, "Her receiving range is originally wider than what was seen today, but because the other attackers were full of confidence, they tried to receive the ball themselves, which narrowed her range."

He added, "The position for defending and connecting is truly very important. Fortunately, since Mami did her job, I think players like Moon Jung-won and Lee Yoon-jung must feel more at ease." For acting head coach Kim Young-rae, and from the team's perspective as well, it is already an unavoidable so-called "Mami effect" that they can look forward to.

Mami, who had a successful debut on the Korean stage, smiled and said, "There were many difficult situations, but it was good that the players who came in as substitutes helped or worked together with me." She added, "I have always liked Korea. The players and staff have been talking to me well since the first day, and I really like it."

After retiring from playing in 2023 and returning to active duty two years later, she stepped onto the V-League stage. He said, "I had a desire to challenge myself in a new environment. Korea is close to Japan, and my family can visit often, so I chose (Korea)." She also added her resolve: "First, the goal is for the team to win the championship, and I would like to play the season while helping my teammates without any injuries."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original