 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
Hwang Taek's joining was certain. However, Maxim's influence on 'Winning Foreigners' was also powerful.
Korean Air won the set score 3-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-16) in the men's KB Insurance match of the Dodram 2024-2025 season at Uijeongbu Gymnasium on the 13th.
With the victory, Korean Air recorded 4 wins and 3 losses (14 points) and moved up to second place, trailing only the first-place Hyundai Capital (14 points). On the other hand, KB Insurance, which escaped its opening five consecutive losses by taking over Korea Electric Power Corp. in the last game, lost again in one game and remained at four points (1 win and 6 losses).
Korean Air was alternative foreign player Maxim's debut and return this season. Korean Air has won the overall title for the past four consecutive seasons, and is the No. 1 favorite to win the title again this year.
He struggled with only 3 wins and 3 losses in the first round due to Yosvani's shoulder injury. The front office struggled to strengthen its power quickly and decided to re-enter Maxim, who contributed to winning the championship game last year. From the recruitment discussion to the issuance of the transfer agreement (ITC), the entry and training participation, and the actual debut on the day, it was like a lightning bolt.
 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
On this day, Maxim alternately played as an apogee with Alef in the Asian quarter and scored 21 points, certainly serving as a troubleshooter for the team. The 2m3 tall, agile bodywork and flexible spike were still impressive.
On the other hand, KB Insurance, which escaped its opening five consecutive wins by taking over Korea Electric Power Corp. in Hwang Taek-ui's return match, unfortunately missed the opportunity to win consecutive games for the first time in a long time. Hwang Taek's tosswork made KB Insurance a completely different team, and Villena and Na Kyung-bok's momentum was revived. The impact of scoring five points directly, including two serve aces and two blocks, was also strong. However, it was a defeat that showed the difference in objective power.
In the first set, Korean Air led the flow all the time. It was a tough game, with a 9-5 lead and a tie allowed again at 14-10. However, Maxim, who scored 10 points in the first set alone, showed off his side as a troubleshooter until the end of the set.
 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
The second set is KB Insurance's counterattack. While the success rate of Korean Air's Maxim's attack fell sharply, Biyena and Na Kyung-bok held the torch of counterattack. Whenever Hwang Taek's serve ace, such as 11-7, 16-9, was inserted, the home fans' support became even hotter. Korean Air chased Jeong Han-yong and Kim Min-jae at the end of the set, but failed to turn it over.
Korean Air showed off the difference in power in the third set. The most points in the team in the third set were Jung Ji-seok's Maxim (four points or more), so he pressured the opponent with various offensive routes made by Han's fingertips. Although it was once tied at 13-13 in the middle of the set, KB Insurance did not miss the gap between 18-14 and 21-17. Jung Ji-seok's serve ace, who made it 23-17, was the decisive shot.
 |
| 사진제공=KOVO |
|
Korean Air, which gained momentum, pushed KB Insurance hard in the fourth set and finished the game as it was. At the beginning of the set, Cho Jae-young's consecutive serve ace was used to run to 6-2, and Jeong Han-yong, Maxim and Jung Ji-seok bombed the opponent's court one after another. Towards the end of the game, his persistent defense like a net gradually revived. At 14-8, Jeong Han-yong, who had a difficult dig, roared by hitting the ball into the opponent's court with a bold spike.
Korean Air continued to line up to 23-15 with the opponent's successive mistakes, and finished the game overwhelmingly.
lunarfly@sportschosun.com
