Dodram 2022-2023 V-League’ Men’s Korean Air and women’s Hyundai E&C played an overwhelming race until the first half, but now the solo system has been broken. Not being able to avoid the red pepper powder sprinkled by the last team, even the leading position is threatened.
Korean Air fell into a four-game losing streak. After being caught in succession by KB Insurance and Korea Electric Power, the psychological 스포츠토토blow was great as it suffered a shocking set score of 2-3 in a game against the lowest ranked Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance on the 7th. In the away game against Hyundai Capital on the 10th, it collapsed 1-3. It still holds first place (19 wins, 8 losses, 56 points), but the gap with second place Hyundai Capital (17 wins, 10 losses, 52 points) has narrowed significantly.
The poor condition of the main players due to the fixed starting lineup is cited as the cause of the sluggish performance. Excluding Jeong Ji-seok (28), Lim Dong-hyuk (24), and Kim Min-jae (20), most of the main players are in their 30s who need to manage their stamina. As his stamina declined, his number of offenses increased, and his ability to overcome obstacles during the game decreased. After losing to Hyundai Capital, Korean Air coach Tommy Tilikhainen said, “I will not make excuses. He commits 39 offenses and cannot win.”
Hyundai E&C’s crisis is more serious. On the 10th, in an away game against Pepper Savings Bank, they lost 2-3 and stayed with 21 wins and 6 losses and 61 points. On the 11th, 2nd place Heungkuk Life Insurance (20 wins, 7 losses, 60 points) managed to keep first place thanks to losing to IBK Industrial Bank. The momentum of running 15 consecutive wins in the opening season is nowhere to be found.
The vacancy of Yasmin Bedart, who left due to a back injury, was too great. After enduring with 7 wins and 4 losses in 11 games without Yasmin, they eventually recruited Yvone Montaño as a substitute. However, in the match against Pepper Savings Bank, which was his first V-League match, Montaño scored only 13 points and an offensive success rate of 37.5%. Compared to Yasmin, who recorded 27.6 points per game and 46.86% attack success rate this season, it was quite disappointing.
While he is anxiously leading, the opponents he will meet on the 14th are also formidable. Korean Air will play against KB Insurance, which is winning three consecutive wins with Andres Villena, and Hyundai E&C will face Korea Expressway Corporation, which is trying to consolidate third place.