Jeongkwanjang succeeded in dominating the playoffs and is on the verge of advancing to the championship final.
Hyundai E&C, led by coach Go Hee-jin, won decisively against Jeongkwanjang with a set score of 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-19) in the first match of the Dodram 2024-2025 V League women's playoffs (best of three) held at Suwon Gymnasium on the 25th.
With striker Mega leading the attack with a team-high 24 points, back from an ankle injury, Bukilich and Park Eun-jin supported the effort with 11 points and 3 points, respectively, driving the team to dominate on the road.
In the women's division, a total of 18 playoffs have been held so far, and the winning team of the first match has always advanced to the championship final. Jeongkwanjang, which won the first match, will return home to Daejeon with a 100% chance of advancing to the finals.
Jeongkwanjang took the first set. Bukilich, back from an ankle injury, led the attack alongside Mega, pulling ahead at 16-11. Hyundai E&C fought back with Moma and Jeong Ji-yun to take the lead at 23-22, but Jeongkwanjang remained steady. In a match that went to deuce, Jeongkwanjang secured the first set 26-24 with quick points from Pyo Seung-joo and an open score from Bukilich. Mega scored 8 points, while Bukilich added 6.
The second set was also closely contested. Jeongkwanjang took an early lead at 12-8, but when setter Yeom Hye-sun faltered due to leg cramps, Hyundai E&C surged ahead with six consecutive points. However, after a brief respite, Yeom Hye-sun struck an ace to level the score at 20-20, leading to a surge from Mega. Jeongkwanjang closed the set at 25-23 as Moma's open attempt went awry. Mega scored 9 points in the second set alone, while Yeom Hye-sun demonstrated her presence with three points, including two aces.
Hyundai E&C missed several sets due to unstable receptions and errors, and ultimately Jeongkwanjang finished strong in the third set. From the start, Mega's attacks and two blocks from Park Eun-jin dominated the court. Jeongkwanjang secured the third set 25-19 and concluded the match as Hyundai E&C collapsed under its own mistakes, including faults from Yang Hyo-jin.
Jeongkwanjang saw Mega excel with a total of 24 points, including two blocks and two aces. Bukilich, returning from an ankle injury, contributed 11 points alongside Mega, while Park Eun-jin also made her mark with 3 points, including two blocks. Jeong Ho-young showcased her height with 6 points, including four blocks. Hyundai E&C's Moma exploded for 23 points but self-destructed with 20 errors. Jeongkwanjang had 13 errors, 7 fewer than Hyundai E&C.
The second match of the playoffs between the two teams will be held on the 27th in Daejeon.
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