From a '37-35 bloodbath to a shutout': The Woori Card team that once suffered has changed! A two-game winning streak at the start of the season, and even the opposing coach acknowledges the shift: "Smart players are playing pragmatic volleyball..." [Jangchung on-site report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Just 18 days ago, Korean Air had completely dismantled Woori Card at the KOVO Cup tournament. Now, after the regular season opener, they acknowledged and expressed caution regarding the changes in their opponent, who is leading the standings with two consecutive wins.

Rafael Edwards, coach of Korean Air, met with reporters ahead of the away game against Woori Card in Round 1 of the men's division of the 2026~2027 HK Huhguk Financial V-League, scheduled to be held on the 11th at Seoul Jangchung Gymnasium. He assessed, "Woori Card is well-reading the flow of the opposing team and adapting while executing their own play. Smart players are effectively exploiting the opponent's weaknesses and playing pragmatic volleyball."

The two teams faced each other in the semifinals of the 2026 Yeosu NH Nonghyup Cup Professional Volleyball Tournament, held on the 24th of last month at Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. At that time, Korean Air crushed Woori Card with a set score of 3-0 (25-22, 37-35, 25-16) to advance to the finals.

Although the result was a shutout, the process was not entirely one-sided. In the second set, Woori Card scored five consecutive points from a 19-24 deficit to force a deuce, and kept Korean Air in trouble until 35-35. However, they lost momentum at the crucial moment due to an attacking error by Araujo and a block by Han Seon-su.

At the time, Araujo recorded the highest score among both teams with 24 points, but support from the other players was lacking. The coordination between setter Han Tae-jun and Asian quota middle blocker Martin Ahmadi (registered name: Martin) was also not smooth. Korean Air dominated in blocking with a 12-3 advantage, shutting down Woori Card's attacks.

However, entering the regular season, Woori Card is showing a distinctly different appearance. After crushing KEPCO 3-0 on the 3rd, they defeated OK Savings Bank 3-1 on the 7th, securing two consecutive wins at the start of the season (6 match points) and taking sole first place in set differential ahead of Hyundai Capital and KEPCO.

In particular, in the match against OK Savings Bank, Araujo exploded for 30 points to achieve his second career triple crown. Kim Dong-min added 14 points, Han Seong-jeong contributed 10 points, and Martin also helped with 8 points. They are gradually resolving the issues of side attack concentration and lack of support from domestic players that were exposed in the cup tournament.

Coach Rafael also noted this change. Meeting with reporters before the game, he said, "Comparing the performance in the cup tournament to recent matches, what is different is that Woori Card players are adapting better to the opposing team and reading the flow of the game." He explained, "The difference is that they continue to execute their own play even in changed situations."

However, he expressed his intention to focus on Korean Air's own performance rather than the opponent's rising momentum. Coach Rafael emphasized, "The most important thing in preparing for a match is how much of our volleyball we can show. Woori Card has Araujo and plays utilizing central quick attacks, as well as a good setter named Han Tae-jun, but that is a secondary issue. The top priority is thinking about our team."

Korean Air also defeated Hyundai Capital 3-0 in the opening match, but lost to KEPCO 1-3 on the 6th, currently recording a 1-1 record (3 match points). The momentum from their five-game winning streak and championship in the cup tournament has somewhat faded.

Coach Rafael stated, "I have told the players many times that when the opposing team shows unconventional tactics, we should quickly grasp and adapt to them, and play by making fluid changes ourselves."

He added, "Our team has capable and diverse players who can also fill empty spaces. That is our strength, and because we can change strategies according to the opponent and prepare flexibly, there is no worry."

Currently, Korean Air head coach Hernan Dal Zotto (66) is unable to take the court due to back surgery received during the KOVO Cup Tournament. Coach Rafael said, "We do not yet know when the head coach will return, but he is scheduled to come back when his physical condition is 100%." He conveyed, "While we feel the absence of the head coach, just as in the KOVO Cup Tournament, (he) is sending us infinite trust and belief. We are all united as one team and plan to overcome this together."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original