IBK Kim Hee-jin, who led the Hyundai E&C war victory

Heejin Kim, IBK Industrial Bank. [사진 한국배구연맹]

Hee-jin Kim (30), the girder of IBK Industrial Bank, has returned. Kim Hee-jin, who had been struggling with injuries, flew brilliantly and led the victory.

IBK Industrial Bank held a set score of 3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-18, 15-10) with Hyundai E&C in the 4th round of the V-League Women’s Division in the 2020-21 season held at Suwon Gymnasium on the 12th. Won by IBK Industrial Bank, which was in third place, out of two consecutive losses, recorded 9 wins and 9 losses (26 points).

Kim Hee-jin’s performance was definitely noticeable. Heejin Kim scored 17 points with 50% attack success rate and 4 blocking. It also recorded 13 effective blocking. Anna Lazareva (34 points) scored more, but Kim Hee-jin’s contribution was higher.

Before the game, IBK Industrial Bank manager Kim Woo-jae said, “In order for Kim Hee-jin to survive, he must become a receive.” As Director Kim’s wishes, the reception went well, and Kim Hee-jin was able to actively participate in the attack. Director Kim said, “As Kim Hee-jin moved actively, the attack went well. Because he works well, I think he was excited.”

In fact, Kim Hee-jin is showing a jagged performance compared to the previous year due to an ankle and leg injury. The average score per game was 13.17 points, 0.516 blocks (per set), and 0.318 sub-scores, but this season is the lowest with 7.59 points, 0.373 and 0.194 points. The score on this day was also the highest score in one game this season.

Kim Hee-jin said, “I’m still improving my physical condition. Honestly, I think that 30% has risen. I feel frustrated even when I’m playing, and it doesn’t work as I intended.” He said, “Because I’m hurting my ankle, I pay a lot of attention to that part. I’m trying to do some more stretching before the game. I’ve suffered a calf and ankle injuries in a row, so I’m raising my right leg strength and entering the game.”

Regarding the most points in the game on this day, “The rest of the attackers didn’t work well in the beginning. Lazarev didn’t work well, and (Yuk) Seoyoung and (Kim) weren’t good. If I’m not confident, it’s hard for the team to get up again. “I think I was trying to autograph a lot and hit a lot.” Regarding the blocking sensation that was good this day, he said, “There was an order to pay attention to blocking. I did a lot of weight training over the past two days and it was helpful.”

Heejin Kim and Anna Lazareva of IBK Bank of Korea are happy after scoring in the road construction game on the 10th. [사진 한국배구연맹]

Heejin Kim plays as a right striker for the national team, and goes back and forth between the center and the right in his team. However, this season, he has not been able to attack as big as the back attack or the open as before. Kim Hee-jin said, “Since I haven’t hit a lot of big attacks since the injury, my senses haven’t come up yet. I’m trying to do a lot in the center for the time being. I think I need to make up more.”

The women’s division has a fierce ranking fight. The difference in points from the 3rd IBK Industrial Bank to the 6th Hyundai E&C is only 8 points. Kim Hee-jin said, “Like last season, I think the ranking fight will go to the end this year, so rounds 4 and 5 will be really important.” Regarding the team that has improved from last year, he said, “If there is something different, there will be one perfect attacker (Lazareva). If there is a main attack, it is a little less anxious. It seems that each player has worked harder.”

Suwon = Reporter Kim Hyo-kyung [email protected]