Kim Ji-han, who has established himself as a key attacker for Woori Card in men’s volleyball, said this after the team’s 3-0 set win over Korean Air on Tuesday at Gyeyang Gymnasium in Incheon.
With the win, Woori Card pushed Korean Air into second place and reclaimed first place with a 9-3 record and 25 points.
Woori Card briefly lost the top spot to Korean Air with two straight losses, but dominated its opponent when it mattered most.
Woori Card continued its dominance against Korean Air this season, winning both meetings.
Kim sees confidence as the key to Woori Card’s rise.
“As we played the first round, we became more and more convinced that we could do it, and I think we can see the top,” he said.
“If you look at the team as a whole, everything from serving to attacking has improved. For me personally, my reception has improved. I think everything is better than last year.”
Coach Shin Young-cheol said, “Our team is always (growing). We still have a lot to work on. I was worried about what to work on first,” he said with a smile.
Han Tae-joon, who joined Woori Card as a high school rookie and is now in his second year as a professional, is a player who grows with each match.
At the setter position, where experience is of utmost importance, he is impressing as the youngest starting setter in the men’s division.
He receives ‘tweezers tutoring’ from Woori Card coach Shin Young-cheol every time he plays, adding experience to his game.
“I think my stamina and quickness are a little better (than other setters),” Han laughed about his strengths.
After finishing the second round in a best-case scenario, Woori Card will play its first match of the third round against OK Financial Group at Ansan Sangryoksu Gymnasium on Wednesday.
If Korean Air’s nemesis this season has been Woori Card, it’s OK Financial Group that has been catching them.
Sitting in third place with an 8-4 record and 21 points, OK Financial Group has won both games against Woori with 3-0 shutout victories.
“Instead of focusing on the opponent, we should just do what we’re doing and we’ll be fine,” said Kim Ji-han. If we stay focused, we will have good results.”
Han Tae-joon echoed the sentiment, saying, “We might feel intimidated after losing both the first and second rounds, but if we play our own volleyball, we can make up for the losses.” 토토