Gyeongnam Development Corporation wins its first game against Incheon Metropolitan Government thanks to Lee Yeon-kyung’s performance.
Gyeongnam Development Corporation defeated Incheon Metropolitan Government 28-26 in the first round of the Shinhan SOL Pay 23-24 Handball H League Women’s Division at Gwangmyeong Citizens’ Gymnasium in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, on Friday.
Gyeongnam Development Corporation led the entire game, but Incheon Metropolitan Government caught up with them to take the two points in a tense game that lasted until the end.
The first half was tightly contested, and Gyeongnam Development Corporation looked to make a run for it, but two consecutive two-minute ejections gave them a narrow 15-13 lead.
In the first half, Gyeongnam Development Corporation and Incheon Metropolitan City Hall exchanged the ball smoothly and continued the tense battle. While turning the ball around, an individual breakthrough led to a goal.
Gyeongnam Development Corporation led the flow with Lee Yeon-kyung’s attack and goalkeeper Osara’s save. Lee Yeon-kyung, who transferred from Busan Facilities Corporation, led the offense with high jumps and quick swings.
Incheon Metropolitan City kept the game close with Lee Hyo-jin leading the attack, while national team member Shin Eun-ju was unable to capitalize on her chances as she was tied up.
With the score tied at 10-7, Gyeongnam Development Corporation scored three consecutive goals from Lee Yeon-kyung. However, three consecutive two-minute ejections for Lee led to three more goals and a 13-12 deficit. Incheon Metropolitan Government also lost its flow with a two-minute ejection, and Gyeongnam Development Corporation ended the first half with a 15-13 lead.
At the beginning of the second half, Gyeongnam Development Corporation led 20-15 thanks to a series of saves by goalkeeper Osara and mistakes by Incheon Metropolitan Government.
Gyeongnam Development Corporation continued to lead the game with a five-point lead, but Incheon Metropolitan Government scored back-to-back goals to pull within 26-22 with over 20 minutes left in the second half, thanks to saves from goalkeeper Lee Ga-eun.
A mistake by Gyeongnam Development Corporation brought the score to 27-25 with 2:40 remaining. However, Gyeongnam’s Yoo Hye-jung added a goal from the wing to throw cold water on Incheon Metropolitan Government’s pursuit. In the end, Gyeongnam won 28-26.
Gyeongnam’s offense was led by transfer Lee Yeon-kyung with 13 goals, while goalkeeper Osara made 13 saves to become the fifth player in history to reach 1500 saves.
Incheon Metropolitan City led the offense with eight goals from Lee Hyo-jin and five from Kim Seol-hee, while Lee Ga-eun made 10 saves.
“It was hard to prepare for the league and adapt to the team in such a short time, but I’m glad that we were able to win the first game as a team,” said Lee Yeon-kyung, who was named MVP with 13 goals and four assists. “We will adapt quickly and show you more.”