'Yoo Soo-yeon's Return' and Champion GS Caltex: Lee Young-tak's 'Happy Dilemma' ... Kim Young-rae, Korea Expressway Corporation Head Coach, in Debut Match: "I'm Very Nervous, but I Will Support the Players" [Jangchung On-Site Report]

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The opening match of the 2026-2027 HK Huhguk Financial V-League Women's Division. Defending champions Seoul GS Caltex met Gimcheon Korea Expressway Corporation, which is starting anew with a new head coach. The teams are set for another fierce battle, following their encounter in the Cup tournament final.

GS Caltex Head Coach Lee Young-tak (49) met with reporters ahead of the season opener against Korea Expressway Corporation, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on the 31st at Jangchung Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul. "We earned the right to host the opening match after winning last season's championship. While there is pressure, I believe the players will handle it well," he said.

The team is riding high momentum after topping the Cup tournament, and another positive development has emerged: outside hitter Yoo Soo-yeon has returned from injury. She is expected to double the team's offensive firepower alongside Kwon Min-ji, who delivered a stunning performance in the Cup tournament. "Both players have different strengths and weaknesses, so figuring out how to combine them effectively is a concern," Head Coach Lee said. "However, it is a happy dilemma to think about who to put on the court because we have plenty of options, rather than worrying about not having enough players."

He added, "During training, I plan to prioritize playing those who are in good condition or showing strong performance. Yoo Soo-yeon completed her rehabilitation well and has been training with us continuously since the KOVO Cup ended. Her condition has improved significantly, and there is no issue with putting her into a match."

They faced Korea Expressway Corporation, which won a close five-set match in the Cup tournament. The team also lost to them in the group stage, making them a difficult opponent. "We lost once and won once against Korea Expressway Corporation in the Cup tournament, but they are well-organized and have solid performance, so I think today will be a tough game," Head Coach Lee said. "Since we won our last match and carried that momentum positively, I hope the players show confidence on the court, just like they did in the final."

Breaking through their solid receiving line is a key challenge. "If we can disrupt their serve reception with our serves, the game becomes easier to play," Head Coach Lee said. "However, their receiving line and defense are so solid that they handle even powerful serves well. Rather than hitting hard serves and risking errors, we plan to target specific spots and lengths. There are definitely points of attack even without relying solely on hard serves."

Kim Young-rae (45), Korea Expressway Corporation Head Coach, who was promoted from acting head coach to the official position two days before the opener, said, "I am very tense, but also excited. We have prepared well, so I need to help the players perform their best. I am much more nervous than during my debut as acting head coach. The first step is the most important. This is not only the first game of the season but also my first as a head coach. I trust the players and will support them well."

The goal is to play solid, well-organized volleyball. "We must avoid silly errors," Head Coach Kim said. "When young players come in and cannot receive or set the ball because they are not in their proper positions, the team's atmosphere sinks. We have talked a lot about this. Moon Jung-won does an excellent job of stabilizing the center. I trust that, but when young players make silly errors, it kills the momentum."

He added, "I want to build a team that never gives up. A passionate team—both in how fans see us and in our own spirit. Creating a tenacious team is a major task."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original