In a disappointing turn of events for GS Caltex Seoul Kixx, they suffered a 0-3 defeat to Daejeon Red Sparks in their Round 30 match of the 2024/2025 Korean Women’s Volleyball League on February 22. The highly anticipated encounter between two Southeast Asian players, Vietnamese Bich Thuy and Indonesian Megawati Hangestri, saw contrasting performances.
Both players started the match, but their fortunes differed greatly. While Megawati Hangestri showcased her impressive skills, continuously racking up points and playing a pivotal role in Daejeon Red Sparks’ dominant performance, Bich Thuy struggled throughout the match. Despite her efforts, she could not deliver the type of performance expected of her and even faced a direct attack from Megawati, which left her unable to make the first pass and highlighted her tough day on the court. Furthermore, the injury to GS Caltex Seoul Kixx’s starting setter, Ahn Hye Jin, midway through the second set further compounded Bich Thuy’s difficulties.
With the setter out, the Vietnamese player had fewer opportunities to engage in offensive play, leaving her unable to contribute significantly to the team’s efforts. As the match progressed, Daejeon Red Sparks continued to assert their dominance. They secured a 25-23 victory in the first set, followed by another 25-23 win in the second set. The final set was more one-sided, with Daejeon Red Sparks claiming it 25-12 to seal the 3-0 sweep. In terms of individual performances, Bich Thuy failed to score any points, while Megawati Hangestri finished as the top scorer of the match with 16 points. Despite this setback for GS Caltex Seoul Kixx, the encounter between the two Southeast Asian players underscored the exciting international talent on display in the Korean league. for 11 seconds
In the latest round of the Korean Women’s Volleyball League, disappointment struck for Vietnamese opposite Bich Thuy as she failed to register a single point in a match where her team, GS Caltex Seoul Kixx, suffered a 0–3 defeat against Daejeon Red Sparks. The game, played on the afternoon of February 22 during Round 30, not only saw contrasting performances between the two Southeast Asian representatives but also highlighted how injuries and mismatched form can decisively influence the outcome.
From the outset, both teams fielded their starters with high expectations. Fans across Southeast Asia were particularly eager to witness the head-to-head duel between Bich Thuy of Vietnam and Indonesia’s star opposite Megawati Hangestri, who represents Daejeon Red Sparks. While both athletes took to the court at the start of the match, their performances quickly diverged. Megawati Hangestri demonstrated her prowess by consistently scoring points and applying relentless pressure on the opposition, ultimately finishing the match with an impressive 16 points. In stark contrast, Bich Thuy was unable to find her rhythm throughout the contest, and at one point, a powerful spike by Megawati was directed so accurately that it left the Vietnamese setter completely unable to react.
Adding to the difficulties for GS Caltex Seoul Kixx was an injury setback in the second half. Ahn Hye Jin, one of the team’s key playmakers in the backcourt, sustained an injury early in the second set. Her absence from the subsequent plays meant that the team’s primary attacking options were significantly reduced. With limited opportunities to set up quality scoring chances, Bich Thuy found herself with fewer opportunities to receive well-timed passes or launch effective attacks. This loss of continuity in the team’s offensive rhythm further hampered her ability to contribute at the net.
The match itself unfolded over three sets, with the scores reading 23–25, 23–25, and 12–25 in favor of Daejeon Red Sparks. In both the first and second sets, the games were fiercely contested, with GS Caltex Seoul Kixx coming close to turning the tide on several occasions. However, critical errors and the inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately proved costly. Daejeon Red Sparks managed to edge out narrow victories in the opening sets, a testament to their consistent performance and the sharp execution of their offensive strategy. By the third set, the momentum had clearly shifted, and the Red Sparks dominated play, winning decisively with a score of 25–12.
The performance of Megawati Hangestri was a standout throughout the match. Her dynamic attacking skills, coupled with her ability to read the game and exploit gaps in the opposing defense, allowed her to become the focal point of Daejeon Red Sparks’ offensive play. Every time her team created an opportunity, she was right at the heart of it, converting chances with precision and determination. Conversely, the inability of Bich Thuy to score any points underscored a struggle that the Vietnamese athlete has faced in adapting to the fast-paced, high-intensity environment of international club volleyball.
Overall, the match was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. While GS Caltex Seoul Kixx had hoped to make a strong statement in Round 30, a combination of injuries, missed opportunities, and a mismatch in individual performances meant that they ultimately fell short. The result leaves the team to regroup and address the shortcomings in their offensive play, as they look to bounce back in the upcoming rounds of the league. For fans and followers of Southeast Asian volleyball, the contrasting fortunes of Bich Thuy and Megawati Hangestri provided a compelling narrative of talent, resilience, and the ever-present demands of high-level competition.
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