The Korean women’s volleyball team suffered its second straight loss in Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification.
Led by head coach Cesar Hernández González, South Korea (ranked 36th in the world) fell 1-3 (22-25 26-24 21-25 9-25) to host Poland (ranked seventh) in the second match of Group C in Łódź, Poland, on Monday (Aug. 18). It was South Korea’s second straight loss in the tournament after suffering a 0-3 shutout loss to Italy (5th) the day before (Sunday).
Kang So-hwi led the way with 16 points, followed by Pyo Seung-ju with 15. Middle blockers Lee Ju-ah and Jung Ho-young also contributed with three blocks apiece. However, they were outplayed by Poland in several offensive categories, including blocking (8-22) and serving (3-4).
On the day, South Korea showed their strength against Poland, winning two sets and scoring more than 20 points in three consecutive sets. In the first set, the Koreans came from behind with back-to-back points, and in the second set, they overcame a five-point deficit to win a deuce match.
Down 14-19 in the second set, South Korea capitalized on an unforced error to tie the game. At 24-24 deuce, Pyo Seung-ju scored back-to-back points to win the set.카지노사이트
Korea kept it close in the third set, scoring as many as 21 points. However, they were unable to overcome their physical disadvantage in the fourth set and lost the match by a large margin.
South Korea, which is in the so-called “Group of Death” with Italy, Poland, Germany (12th), USA (2nd), Colombia (20th), Thailand (14th) and Slovenia (27th), needs to finish in the top two of the eight teams to qualify for the Paris Olympics. However, two early defeats have left them in a rather difficult position.
South Korea will play Germany on Sept. 19 in its third preliminary round match.