Samsung Volleyball On 5-Game Winning Streak

“It will be tough to beat Samsung’s well-organized teamwork,” said LIG coach Park Ki-won.

“LIG’s strong attack is tough to contain,” said Samsung coach Shin Chi-yong.

The two coaches stressed the toughness in store for them yesterday regarding their upcoming match.

They both went to Seongji Vocational High School together, four years apart.

Shin praised Park’s advanced coaching knowledge and techniques coming from Park’s experience as an Italian club head. Park also returned the goodwill remarks by lauding Shin’s 9 career championship wins.

Despite the cordial exchanges, Samsung emerged victorious to Shin’s credit on Angelco’s 24 points. Samsung beat LIG 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-20), continuing its winning streak.

Foreign players contributed most to the victory. Angelco made four successful blocks in the 2nd and 3rd sets, in addition to his 24 points on spikes.

LIG’s Palaska scored just 14 points due to his ailing right arm. Previously, on December 9, he stood out with 38 scores.

Shin praised his team, saying, “Our team spirit excelled. Angelco has never failed me, facing strong opponents.”

The KAL Jumbos beat Sang-mu, 3-1 (28-26, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20) on Kim Hak-min’s 18 points and Jang Gwang-gyun’s 16 points, putting them in second place in the league with 4 wins and one loss. In the women’s league, KT&G notched a 3-0 win over Korea Expressway Corporation (25-21, 25-11, 27-2), continuing its 4-game winning streak.

Yesterday, three star players of Samsung retired: Shin Jin-shik, Kim Sang-wu and Bang Ji-seop. Shin will study English in Australia, Kim will work as a KBSN sport commentator, and Bang will work for LG Electronics.

beetlez@donga.com