"Defending champion" Hyundai E&C mounted a comeback on the brink of elimination, keeping hope alive for a championship final appearance.
Hyundai E&C won decisively against Jeonggwanjang with a set score of 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-22) in the second match of the 2024-2025 Dodram V-League women's playoffs (best of three) held on the 27th at Daejeon Chungmu Gymnasium.
Foreign player Moma scored the most points overall with 24, and Jeong Ji-yoon supported with 11 points including 4 blocks. Yang Hyo-jin, who had only scored 3 points in the first match, contributed to the victory with 6 points, including 1 block. In the blocking battle, Hyundai E&C dominated Jeonggwanjang 9-2.
Having suffered a shutout defeat in the first match on the 25th in Suwon, Hyundai E&C balanced their record to 1 win and 1 loss with a rebound in this away game. They will return home to Suwon on the 29th to aim for their championship final appearance in the decisive third match. Meanwhile, Jeonggwanjang, which secured a 100% chance of advancing to the championship final with their first match victory, suffered a complete defeat as they could not fill the void left by starting setter Yeom Hye-sun, who was absent due to a right knee injury.
From the first set, Hyundai E&C succeeded in seizing the initiative. Hyundai E&C took a slight lead early in the set and pulled away with Yang Hyo-jin's blocking and a time attack at 17-15. Yang Hyo-jin, who had struggled in the first match, scored 3 points from the first set this time. Moma scored 5 points, and Jeong Ji-yoon recorded 4 points including 2 blocks, leading Hyundai E&C to a comfortable 25-20 set victory.
The early stages of the second set were in favor of Jeonggwanjang. With Bukirichi and Mega's duo performing well, they took a 10-5 lead, but it didn't last long. Hyundai E&C quickly caught up with Moma's back attack and open play, and Yang Hyo-jin's open scores and service ace allowed them to turn the tide, blocking Mega's attack through Jeong Ji-yoon. The momentum once swung in their favor didn't change, as Hyundai E&C also dominated the second set with a score of 25-17. Moma scored 7 points, while Jeong Ji-yoon and Lee Da-hyun each recorded 2 blocks.
Ultimately, Hyundai E&C closed out the match in the third set. Bukirichi started to lead the offense as she began to sync with Kim Chae-na, while Pyo Seung-joo also contributed by reaching 20 points first. However, Hyundai E&C had better stamina. At 21-22, Yang Hyo-jin leveled the score with an open attack, before Moma closed out the match with the final 3 points, completing a 25-22 victory. Moma scored 12 points in just the third set.
With the playoffs balanced at 1 win and 1 loss, the series moves to a decisive third match. After a day's rest, the third match will be held at Hyundai E&C's home in Suwon Gymnasium on the 29th. In the previous 18 women's playoffs, the team that won the first match has always advanced to the championship final. If Hyundai E&C wins, they will become the first ever team to advance to the championship final after losing the first match.
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