Samsung Blue Fangs Win on Andelko Cuk’s 28 Scores

“We got to win, period!”

On the first day of the new year, two coaches wished for the same and were determined than ever. They designed strategies for the 2007-2008 V League game between Korean Airline Jumbos and Samsung Fire Insurance Blue Fangs held on January 1 in Incheon.

“Now, I know how to beat Blue Fangs [Andelko] Cuk. I will put tall players like Shin Yeong-su up on the front to win the game on the first day of the year,” said Jumbos coach Mun Yong-gwan.

Blue Fangs coach, Shin Chi-yong, showed his determination, saying, “We have two important games to advance to the playoff. We have to win today’s game against Korean Air and the game against LIG on Saturday. We will win. I have no doubt about it.”

In the end, Blue Fangs enjoyed the fanfare, starting the New Year with a victory thanks to the outstanding performance by Andelko Cuk who had spent nice time with his girlfriend for the Christmas holiday from Spain.

Blue Fangs beat Jumbos 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19) on Cuk’s 28 scores, maintaining its league lead on a 9-1 record. Jumbos ranks 2nd in the league with 7 wins and 2 losses.

Early in the first quarter, Cuk’s attacks got blocked continuously, while Jumbos led the game 19-18 with Bob’s powerful spikes and blocks. When the game tied at 23-23, Cuk turned the game for his team with his strong back row attack. As Cuk regained his condition, he recorded 13 points in the 2nd quarter.

Jumbos snatched up the 3rd quarter by placing the tall player, Kim Yeong-rae, for setter, Kim Yeong-seok.

The Blue Fangs coach placed Cuk to the right in the 4th quarter to change the strategy to crumble Jumbos’ defense. Cuk scored 5 points in a row in the last quarter, giving the victory to his team.

creating@donga.com