Jeonggwanjang made an unbelievable comeback on the brink of defeat. Kim Yeon-koung's retirement has been postponed for at least one more match.
Under the leadership of coach Ko Hee-jin, Jeonggwanjang achieved a reverse victory against Heungkuk Life with a set score of 3-2 (21-25, 34-36, 25-22, 25-19, 15-11) in Game 3 of the Dodram 2024-2025 V-League Women's Championship held at Daejeon Chungmu Gymnasium on the 4th.
When they lost the first two sets, defeat seemed imminent. Losing the second set after an intense deuce battle made it feel like they were about to collapse, but they secured a victory by winning sets three to five. They delivered a thrilling comeback performance to the home fans in the women's championship match held in Daejeon for the first time in 13 years.
Mega scored an astonishing 40 points, and Bukirich contributed 31 points. Pyoh Seung-joo also added strength with eight points, including three blocks.
After the match, coach Ko Hee-jin noted, "I think this was an emotional match that will be remembered in V-League history. If the players had been in normal physical condition, I couldn't express it as emotional. I wondered if players with injuries could play this kind of match again, and it was a magnificent game. I applaud the fighting spirit of our players."
After losing the first two sets, in a desperate situation, coach Ko told the players, "Let's just win one set." He reflected, "The fans probably want to see a little more, but if it ends 3-0, that’s the end. I said let’s just win the third set," adding that as the score opened up early in the fifth set, a mood developed that the players could win.
Jeonggwanjang, which advanced to the playoffs through Game 3, had all key players, including 'double guns' Mega (knee), Bukirich (ankle), setter Yeom Hye-sun (knee), and libero Noh Ran (waist), carrying injuries. They achieved this victory while burning with fighting spirit despite taking painkillers, making the comeback even more inspiring.
Coach Ko said, "Mega is currently suffering from a knee injury, but today her boyfriend came to watch the game. I asked if it wouldn’t be disappointing to only see one match, and from that moment, she seemed to come alive. Indeed, the power of love seems to be incredible," he laughed, adding, "Noh Ran is amazing. She's an only daughter, but her father was an athlete. It seems he raised her well. Despite being in pain today, she insisted on playing. As a coach, I can only express my gratitude for meeting a player with such determination and spirit."
After fighting back from the brink, Jeonggwanjang aims to level the series in Game 4 of the championship, which will take place at Daejeon Chungmu Gymnasium at 2 p.m. on the 6th.
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