“Park Chul-woo’s era starts well”: Seoul WooCard defeats KB Insurance to secure spot in KOVO Cup semifinals [Yeosu on-site review]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Seoul WooCard secured a win from its first match under “Head Coach Park Chul-woo,” clinching advancement to the cup tournament semifinals.

On the 20th, at Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, Seoul WooCard defeated Uijeongbu KB Insurance 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-21) in a sweep during the Group B opener of the 2026 Yeosu·NH Nonghyup Cup Professional Volleyball Tournament (KOVO Cup).

Seoul WooCard, which had taken a day off after playing in the men’s division opening match the previous day, secured its semifinal berth by defeating KB Insurance. This was because KB Insurance had already been eliminated after suffering a second consecutive loss, following its defeat to Suwon KEPCO the day before. Seoul WooCard will face KEPCO on the 22nd for the Group B top spot, one day after its rest.

Seoul WooCard started with setter Han Tae-jun at the core, opposite spiker Rafael Araujo (registered name: Araujo), outside hitters Kim Hyung-geun and Lee Si-mon, middle blockers Park Jin-woo and Martin Ahmadi (registered name: Martin). Liberos were Oh Jae-seong and Kim Young-jun.

KB Insurance countered with setter Hwang Tae-ui, opposite Linus, outside hitters Taryusha and Hong Sang-hyuk, middle blockers Cha Yeong-seok and Im Dong-kyun, and libero Jang Ji-won.

Head Coach Park Chul-woo, competing in his first official match after taking over as permanent head coach, said before the game, “The feeling is similar to my first match when I was acting head coach. I have both expectations and concerns.” However, he added, “There is an atmosphere and flow that can only be felt once you enter the court. We prepared diligently, but it seems the role of the coaching staff within the court will be important.”

It drew attention that Kim Hyung-geun, who was drafted second overall in the 2023-2024 rookie draft but had limited playing opportunities over the past two seasons, started the match. Head Coach Park said, “Overall, he has excellent physical attributes and strength, so we deployed him with expectations for his offensive play.” He continued, “There are areas for improvement, but it will be important how much his teammates fill in. Since we prepared properly, I hope he can perform without being intimidated. I always ask him to play ‘just like in practice.’”

Kim Hyung-geun displayed a distinct presence from the first set. He led the team’s offense with six points alone, including two service aces. Martin and Araujo also recorded one block each, finishing with five points apiece.

In the second set, Araujo stepped up his game. He scored eight points on his own, including one block. His attack success rate reached 70%. Kim Hyung-geun added four points, helping the team secure another comfortable victory.

The third set was the most intense. In the late stages of a 17-17 tie, Park Jin-woo succeeded with a quick attack to shift the momentum, and Araujo’s quick open attack further boosted the team’s spirit.

Jung Seong-gyu’s serve hit the net, narrowing the score gap, but this time Martin succeeded with consecutive quick attacks to regain the upper hand. When KB Insurance closed the gap to one point on Park Sang-ha’s quick attack, Kim Hyung-geun pulled away again with a time-difference attack.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original