SK Sugar Gliders Dominate First Round, Yoon Ye-jin Named MVP
The SK Sugar Gliders completed a perfect first round in the Shinhan SOL Bank 25-26 Handball H League Women’s Division, solidifying their position as the team to beat. A key driver of their success has been the impressive performance of Yoon Ye-jin, who was named MVP after scoring 10 goals in a decisive 37-24 victory over Incheon Metropolitan City Hall on .
The win marked the seventh consecutive victory for the Sugar Gliders, leaving them with a perfect 14-point record and a clear lead in the league standings. Yoon Ye-jin’s impact since transferring from Seoul City Hall has been immediate and significant, and her MVP performance is a testament to the team’s confidence in her abilities.
Yoon Ye-jin’s contribution extended beyond simply scoring goals. Her quick transitions and aggressive penetration of the opponent’s defense consistently disrupted their strategy, and she was often the first to initiate fast breaks, converting them into scoring opportunities. Her performance wasn’t just about the number of goals, but *how* she scored them.
As of the end of the first round, Yoon Ye-jin is tied for 12th in the league’s scoring rankings with 31 goals. However, she leads the league in fast break scoring with 17 goals, and ranks fourth in wing scoring with 9 goals. This versatility highlights her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense and her seamless integration into the Sugar Gliders’ fast-paced style of play.
“Immediately after the transfer, I was worried that my hands and feet would not work out,” Yoon Ye-jin admitted, reflecting on her initial concerns about fitting into the team. “But I positively evaluated that I was able to finish the first round with good results even though it was not perfect.”
The team’s success is built on a growing sense of cohesion, rather than relying on established pairings. Yoon Ye-jin emphasized that her chemistry with teammates is “more of a process of getting everyone together” than a specific combination with any one player. This collaborative approach appears to be fostering a stable and effective dynamic within the team.
A key element of Yoon Ye-jin’s success has been the increased frequency of fast break opportunities. She attributes this to the height and defensive prowess of her middle defenders, who create openings for her to exploit. “I think I get more opportunities because the middle defenders are taller and have a higher success rate in defense,” she explained.
The improved defensive stability has allowed the Sugar Gliders to accelerate their offensive tempo, and Yoon Ye-jin has thrived in this environment. She embraces the challenge of repeated fast breaks, viewing it as her responsibility and preparing for it through dedicated stamina management and training.
Yoon Ye-jin also highlighted the importance of adapting to the team’s unique style. “Of course, the color is different for each team, so matching the color of the team you transferred to is a priority,” she said. “Our sisters have great skills and are fast, so we are focusing on physical strength and speed training to keep up with their speed.”
Now in her eighth year as a professional handball player, Yoon Ye-jin is determined to reach the championship stage, a feat she has yet to achieve. “This is our 8th year, and we have never advanced to the championship game yet,” she stated. “So our goal this season is not only to advance to the championship game, but also to lift the trophy.”
Yoon Ye-jin’s continued development – her quickness, activity, and commitment to integrating into the team – is a driving force behind the Sugar Gliders’ impressive start to the season. She remains focused on continuous improvement, striving to be a “progressive” player rather than a “complete” one, as the team looks ahead to the challenges of the remainder of the league season.
