Hyundai E&C's 19-year-old setter Kim Sa-rae showed off a toss work that exceeded her coach's expectations, leading the team to its ninth straight win.

Hyundai E&C pulled off a come-from-behind 3-1 (23-25 25-23 25-16 25-20) victory over Heungkuk Life in the women's Dodram 2023-2024 V-League at Samsan World Gymnasium in Incheon on Tuesday.

With the victory, No. 1 Hyundai E&C (13-4, 40 points) extended its winning streak to nine games and widened the gap on No. 2 Heungkuk Life (13-4, 36 points).

Foreign player Moma led the way with 24 points, including three blocked shots. Yang Hyo-jin and Wipawi contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Kim Sara filled in nicely in the absence of main setter Kim Dain's flu. She was a bit shaky in the first set, but her tosses came alive as the match progressed. It wasn't the flashy toss of a veteran, but it was a ball distribution that utilized multiple players to maximize the offense.

"I didn't think about trying to be good, I just thought about doing what my sisters told me and being relaxed," Kim said.

She said she was nervous when she was told she would be the starting setter two days earlier. "Kim Dain said she wasn't feeling well, so I prepared two days in advance. I was nervous right before the game and even at the beginning of the game. I think it went well because I relaxed as I played," she laughed.

Hyundai E&C head coach Kang Sung-hyung said, "I thought today's match would be difficult, but the players' willpower was great today as well. Today, Kim Sara was the starting setter for the first time, and she did a good job. I think she did a good job without being too nervous."

Captain Yang Hyo-jin also applauded Kim's performance. "She did her job well today, and the fact that all the players supported her and held on was a winning factor," Yang said.

"It was partly my fault that I was blocked five times (in the first set), so I felt intimidated. "I was nervous and didn't coordinate my breathing, but I tried to do my best to follow the coach's instructions," Kim explained.

On the pressure of the Incheon game, he said, "Heungkuk Life is a strong team, and there were a lot of opposing fans in a big stadium, so I was more nervous. But as we played, I tried to focus on the game," he said.

Kang Sung-hyung suggested that even if Kim Dae-in returns, he would give Kim Sa-ra a little more playing time.

Meanwhile, Yang Hyo-jin said that communication is the driving force behind HCE's nine-game winning streak.

"Our team seems to be communicating well. Communication seems to have become a part of our team culture. Even on the 토토사이트 court, we talk to each other a lot. Moma was uncomfortable at first, but now her personality is more active and she approaches me easily. Wipawi has also adapted well to the team, which is a plus for the team."