From her first official match in a white jersey, Hwang Min-kyung poked at every empty spot on the opponent’s court.
On the 30th, IBK Business Bank defeated Heungkuk Saengsung 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-15) in straight sets in the women’s group stage of the 2023 Gumi Dodram Cup Professional Volleyball Tournament at Park Jung-hee Gymnasium in Gumi.
The star of the show was none other than ‘transfer student’ Hwang Min-kyung. After stepping down as Hyundai E&C’s captain after the 22-23 season, Hwang Min-kyung signed with IBK for an annual salary of 450 million won.
Initially, the team focused on using foreign mercenary Dali Santana (outside hitter) to receive, but this year, the team selected foreigner Brittany Abercrombie to play in the outside hitter position. In response, the team recruited Hwang Min-kyung, who showed good defense at Hyundai E&C.
From her first appearance in the Cup, Hwang Min-kyung performed well on defense. Against Heungkuk Sinsaeng, who were missing starters like Kim Yeon-kyung and Kim Hae-ran, she scored 17 points and had an offensive success rate of 34.78%. Receiving, she made seven aces on 16 attempts (43.75 per set, 34.78% share).
After the match, Hwang Min-kyung said, “I was a little overwhelmed and nervous at the beginning, but the match went well and I quickly got over my nerves.”
Initially, coach Kim Ho-cheol said in an interview that “Hwang Min-kyung was thinking about defense, but she did a little more offense.” In response, Hwang Min-kyung said, 먹튀검증 “It’s good that I have a lot to offer (in the offense). It felt good to be able to help the team.”
However, she still needs to work on her chemistry with the setter for a while to prepare for the regular season. Ponpun, the setter selected by IBK for the Asian quarterfinals, is expected to join the team late in the season.The change in the starting setter just before the season will bring back the breathing issue, but there is no other option at the moment.
Kim was not satisfied with the match itself, saying that “Kim’s toss is still unstable”. For the time being, it’s up to Kim to control the game.
Hwang Min-kyung said, “Ponpun’s ball needs to be directed, and (Kim) tried to go too fast in the beginning, so it didn’t work out, so we’re in the process of taking our time and adjusting.”
After a day of rest, the team will face GS Caltex on Aug. 1, starting at 3:30 p.m.