Manila, Philippines, August 14, 2017 – Superstar spiker Kim Yeon-Koung steered Korea to the top spot of Pool E, tearing the Kazakhstan’s defence into shreds with her exceptional attacks for the winning team’s sensational 25-21 26-24 25-10 win in their last top 8 playoff match at the SMM 19th Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Alonte Sports Arena on Monday.
Despite the convincing win, Korea had one matter to worry about, Yang Hyojin, who came from the bench to assist the team in the second and third sets, sustained a back injury and was stretchered out from the competition court.
“She (Yang Hyojin) suffers a back injury. I really don’t know if this situation will affect the team. However, there are many players in the team who can play in Hyojin’s position. In terms of today’s match, I don’t think we played better than yesterday. We played a bit late yesterday, but started early today and we felt a bit tired. Against Chinese Taipei in the Tuesday’s quarter-finals, I think they are small, but very fast. To match them tactically, we have to perform well in reception, serves and attacks. We have to play our game,” Kim said in an interview.
Kim led Korea with 18 points, 15 of them through her thundering spikes and 2 blocks, Hwang Minkyoung contributed 12 kills and Kim Suji and Kim Yuri produced 2 aces apiece. Yekaterina Zhdanova topscored with 12 points for Kazakhstan including 11 kills from 30 attacks, while Natalya Akilova added 10 points from 8 attack hits and 2 aces.
The win gave Korea the top spot in Pool E, with Kazakhstan in second place. Korea are due to take on Chinese Taipei, fourth place in Pool F, while Kazakhstan will play China, Pool F third place, in the knock-out quarter-finals on Tuesday.
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