Lee So-young's return keeps the "Four Attackers" alive; IBK Industrial Bank of Korea defeats defending champion GS Caltex to secure second consecutive win [V-League]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Hwaseong IBK Industrial Bank of Korea extended its winning streak to two games by also defeating "defending champion" Seoul GS Caltex.

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea defeated GS Caltex with a set score of 3-1 (28-26, 25-19, 25-27, 25-21) in the home game of the women's division of the 2026-2027 HK Hieunguk Financial V-League held at Hwaseong Comprehensive Gymnasium on the 6th.

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, which won against Suwon Hyundai E&C in the opening match on the 3rd, rode a rising momentum by also defeating GS Caltex, who had topped both last season's championship and the Cup tournament. GS Caltex suffered a loss after its first win.

For IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, foreign main attacker Victoria Danchev (registered name: Victoria), who recorded the highest points among both teams, scored 25 points; middle blocker Choi Jung-min, who blocked six times, contributed 23 points; another middle blocker Lee Ju-ah added 17 points; and outside hitter Osanai Miwako (registered name: Miwa) chipped in with 14 points.

Unforced errors reached 24, more than Hyundai E&C (16), and IBK did not hold a significant advantage in blocks (15-12). There was also no major difference in serves (4-3) and attack success rate (39.53%-34.62%).

The difference between the two teams was decided by attack efficiency (29.07%-19.87%), which hinged on defense, including serve reception.

At the center of this was the returning ace, Lee So-young. Lee So-young, who transferred to IBK Industrial Bank of Korea with a total compensation of 700 million won ahead of the 2024-2025 season, could not play in many matches due to injury. Her shoulder injury worsened further next season, leading her to undergo surgery last November. Lee So-young, who felt an immense burden of failing to justify her market value, requested contract termination from the club.

She could not become a "bailout" (a player who leaves after receiving high compensation). As a high-earning player, she was determined to reduce the club's financial burden while returning only when she was in a definite physical condition. Although she is still not at 100% physical condition, Lee So-young is contributing significantly to defense with a diligent attitude.

Of the six points she scored on this day, three were from attacks, three were blocks, and the rest were contributions from defense. Her reception efficiency reached an impressive 62.29%. This was much higher than libero Im Myeong-ok (33.33%), and she even succeeded in 19 digs, more than Im Myeong-ok (18).

Lee So-young solidly guarded the back row alongside Im Myeong-ok, providing a foundation that allowed setters to distribute the ball with confidence. Kim Ha-kyung and Park Eun-seo increased the utilization frequency of Victoria (usage rate 32.56%), Miwa (23.26%), as well as Choi Jung-min (18.6%) and Lee Ju-ah (17.44%), shaking up GS Caltex's defensive line. This also became a factor that lowered the attack efficiency of GS Caltex's main attacker Silva to 15.52%.

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, which was leading 23-20 in the first set, faced the danger of losing the set after conceding four consecutive points, but ultimately forced a deuce and took the first set with a score of 26-26 thanks to Silva's consecutive unforced errors.

In the second set, despite committing as many as 10 unforced errors, IBK held on stably, with Lee So-young recording a 100% reception efficiency. Kim Ha-kyung utilized various attack routes and secured another win with efficient attacks.

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, which narrowly lost the third set after a deuce, widened the score gap in the fourth set starting with Lee So-young's quick open point. Through bold attacks enabled by Lee So-young's stable reception, they extended the lead, and with Lee So-young's block also hitting its mark, they stretched the score from 7-7 to 12-8. They then maintained their lead consistently to ultimately secure the victory.

In the men's division match held at Incheon Gyeoyang Gymnasium, Suwon KEPCO staged an upset by defeating Incheon Korean Air, who achieved a double title last season, with a set score of 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 26-24, 27-25).

The difference was decided by concentration in crucial moments. KEPCO created a set point at 23-23 in the first set with an open attack by Sharon Vernon Evans (registered name: Sho), and took the first set on Korean Air's hit error.

After losing the second set, KEPCO was trailing 23-24 in the third set when Yoon Ha-jun scored a quick open point and then smiled after recording two consecutive service aces. In the fourth set, they were again in danger at 23-24, but KEPCO entered a deuce with Sho's back attack and decorated the victory with Lee Min-gyu's block and Sho's finishing touch.

KEPCO, led by Sho with 26 points and Yoon Ha-jun with 14 points in team attacks, secured one win after one loss. Korean Air also recorded a 1-1 record with a loss following its opening match victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original