GS Caltex head coach Cha Sang-hyun was satisfied with the game despite the loss.
GS Caltex lost its away match against Hyundai E&C in the fourth round of the Dodram 2023-2024 V-League Women’s Division at Suwon Gymnasium on Tuesday with a set score of two games to three (28-30 25-21 16-25 25-17 17-19).
Despite falling into a two-game losing streak, GS Caltex (38 points), which won two sets against leader Hyundai E&C, earned one point and widened the gap to six points over fourth-place IBK (32 points).
It was a close game. It was an evenly matched game against the leader Hyundai E&C. Foreign player Silva led the offense with 36 points (50.79% attack percentage), while outside hitters Kang So-hwi (17 points) and Choi Eun-ji (12 points) also performed well. However, it was the inability to get over the hump at the end of the set that proved to be the difference.
After the match, Coach Cha said, “We have a long way to go. It’s a time when every point counts,” Cha said, “I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m satisfied with the content. (Kwon) Min-ji did a good job as a middle blocker. If we practice and make improvements, we will be good enough.”
GS Caltex made changes to its starting lineup, utilizing Kwon Min-ji, Choi Eun-ji, and Kim Ji-won.
Coach Cha said, “Every game is important, but we decided that the game against IBK on the 12th is the decisive game of the fourth round. “I’m a little worried,” he said, “because I was thinking about how to start, but I decided it was okay to make changes. We have a day off tomorrow and then we play in Seoul. We have to do some acclimatization training and play. I’m a little worried about my fitness, but I’ll try to manage it as much as possible and prepare well for the match.”
Minji Kwon, who normally plays outside hitter, played middle blocker on the day and recorded a respectable 12 points (43.75% attacking success rate). She also had five blocks.
Coach Cha said, “I had a deep conversation with Kwon Min-ji. Previously, she expressed her desire to play left side, so we utilized her as such, but we also have a need for her,” Cha said. “I think there will be a lot of players in the Asian Quarterfinals next year. I think there will be a lot of players in the Asian Quarter next year, so we talked about the position.”
“I think he fully accepted it (the position change). Minji is a free agent after next season. I hope he hits the jackpot. However, in the same situation as before, it’s not easy for other teams to take notice,” he said, adding, “I’ve seen him play the middle blocker position for the first time in a long time, and from a coaching standpoint, it’s good to see him fighting.”