Middle blocker Lee Da-hyun put in an impressive performance in her first start in a long time.
Lee started against Slovenia in the final match of Group C at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Final Qualification on Thursday (Sept. 24) at the Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland.
The match ended in a 0-3 loss for South Korea, but Lee finished with 12 points (11 attacks, 1 block), the most on the team.
Her chemistry with setter Kim Dain was outstanding. Their chemistry at Hyundai E&C carried over to the national team.
“I definitely feel comfortable with (Kim) Dain,” Lee said, “and it’s definitely an advantage to coordinate a lot with the setter, because it’s not a look-and-hit attack. The setter-attacker chemistry is something that requires a lot of training.”
The national team is made up of players who are good in the domestic league, but it takes time for them to synchronize. In that sense, Lee’s performance was a nice addition to the Kim Dain setter system. She is expected to play a big role in the Asian Games.
Lee was mostly on the bench at the Olympic Final, with the occasional substitution. There were days when she wore the libero jersey as Moon Jung-won switched from libero to outside hitter to strengthen her defense.
“I’m feeling really good right now,” said Lee, “and I have a lot of stamina reserves because I hardly played during the seven matches.
Against Slovenia, Lee made some good moves, but South Korea failed to win a set and lost the match. “I think there are many reasons, and it’s not like the players don’t have any ideas. They’re trying this, they’re trying that, they’re trying everything they can. I think the problem is many things, and the way we play in the team might be one of them. I think it’s something that extends to the national team. We can’t change the national team in a short period of time, so I think it’s important for the players to overcome it without getting tired,” said Lee.
Lee has been dreaming of competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics since she was a child. It was her dream. She even had a sign in front of her desk. But then she was knocked out of the final qualifying round.
“At that time, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be. It was just a dream. Now that I’m here and facing reality, I realize my limitations,” says Lee. Personally, it’s also sad,” she says with a wistful expression.토토사이트
But then he cheered up again. Her characteristic expression returned. “I think it will be important for the Asian Games to play Vietnam, our first opponent. We lost to them last time in a reverse sweep, but I think we can do it. I think the mindset is important. It’s actually a one-game match, so I think we have to push with the intention of dying,” Lee said, strengthening her voice.
“I don’t think you can get down after a loss like this, there are still big competitions for medals. So far, I have some regrets. I really want to have no regrets in the rest of the Asian Games.”
Lee’s determination and reserves of energy are aimed at the Asian Games.