GS Caltex is working with two new foreign players. They will enter the 2023-24 season with Apogit Gisele Silva (Cuba and Azerbaijan) and setter Iris Tolenada (Philippines).
In 2023, the V-League introduced a new Asian quota. There are now two foreign players in one team. This is the biggest change.
In particular, GS Caltex recruited Tolenada after two replacements to reinforce the setter. Among the seven Asian quarter players in the women’s division, Tolenada and IBK Industrial Bank’s Ponpun Gedpard (Thailand) are the only ones in the setter position.
It has been a week since Tolenada, a 174cm setter born in 1991, entered Korea. He is currently improving his practical skills through practice games with the Hitachi Astemo Barre team of the Japan V. League. Silva is also playing on the court.
Outside hitter Yoo Seo-yeon, who served as vice captain this season, said, “The Hitachi team is a team with fast ball speed, which is unique to Japan. He is good at hitting even balls that seem impossible to hit. “I thought I needed to learn something,” he committed. A practice game was also held during training camp in Japan last July. This time, the Hitachi team came to Korea. We are all working hard ahead of the new season. Moreover, GS Caltex is conducting inspections by holding its first practice match with two foreign players on the 18th.
The scene of two foreign players playing on the court is unfamiliar. In response, Yoo Seo-yeon said, “I am playing with two foreign players, and our chemistry is better than I expected. Communication with the setter is also no major problem. She told us about the sign in advance, and we talk to each other often. Also, since everyone can speak short English, we try to do that on the court. Gisele Silva’s nickname is ‘Gigi’. He
Daeyoung Jeong said, “The players also felt a little awkward. Our team has one setter and one striker, but when you look at the video analysis of the opposing team, there are more teams with two strikers. “I think안전놀이터 V-League volleyball will become more powerful,” he predicted.
Yoo Seo-yeon also said, “There is another team with only two foreign strikers. Cheong Kwan-jang also said, “I think there will be foreign players in the left and right ssangpo, but I think we will have to see them in person to find out.”
Born in 1999, Yoo Seo-yeon was selected by Heungkuk Life Insurance as the 4th pick in the first round in the 2016 rookie draft, and worked at KGC Ginseng Corporation (currently Cheong Kwan-jang) and Korea Expressway Corporation in 2017 before settling at GS Caltex in 2020. He is already preparing for his 8th V-League. He also has the responsibility of being vice-captain. Seoyeon Yoo said, “It seems like time has passed quickly. When he was a rookie, he mainly played serving and defending roles. “At that time, I think he played with a lot of spirit,” he said. “Now, I have to lead the team together with captain (Kang) Sohwi. “I want to resolve this well so that the team can be less shaken,” he said.
Yoo Seo-yeon is balanced in defense and attack. He is a relatively short outside hitter at 174cm, but his technical skills make up for his height. In the 2023 off-season, he is focusing more on defense. Yoo Seo-yeon said, “I paid more attention to receiving and defensive positions. There will be many teams whose offensive power improves through the Asia Quarter. So, he is preparing by focusing on defense and counterattack situations,” he said. “I think working with the setter requires effort on my part. “I have to hit according to the toss,” he explained.
Lastly, Yoo Seo-yeon said, “Personally, I had a minor injury last season. There were times when he couldn’t concentrate on the game because he was so nervous. “I want to have a better season without injuries and mentally in the upcoming season,” he said, revealing his goal for the 2023-24 season.
responded positively, saying, “I also confirmed Gigi’s offensive power.”
Leave a Reply