GS Caltex delivered a stunning straight-sets victory over Pepper Savings Bank, winning 3-0 at Jangchung Gymnasium in the 2025-2026 V-League Round 5 on February 11. The match highlighted GS Caltex’s dominance on serve, racking up nine service aces—including five targeted at Pepper’s main attackers—while Pepper’s receive efficiency dropped sharply to just 2.86%.
Key Match Moments
GS Caltex exploited Pepper’s vulnerabilities ruthlessly. The team zeroed in on weaker receivers Park Eun-seo and Park Jung-ah with precise serves, while positioning strong diggers in receive roles. Yoo Seo-yeon notched consecutive service aces twice, first sealing the opening set 23-21 and then turning the second set at 14-11.
In the second set, Park Eun-seo erred again after trailing 6-10, prompting Coach Jang So-yeon to substitute her. The switch backfired immediately as Pepper yielded another service ace. Kim Ji-won’s clever serves then rattled Pepper’s receive line, flipping the momentum and securing the set.
Coach Jang So-yeon’s Post-Match Analysis
Coach Jang So-yeon lamented the instability that derailed her team’s performance. “The receives were far too shaky, causing the game to unravel,” she stated. “We couldn’t regroup effectively or find our rhythm despite a decent tempo in the first set.”
She acknowledged the pressure on her players: “The team felt significant burden, especially in coaching decisions like entering receivers. Players grow anxious in big matches, but that’s part of national league competition. We’ll adjust well and prepare stronger for the next game.”
Pepper fought hard but couldn’t overcome the service onslaught, marking a tough loss. GS Caltex advances with momentum from this impressive upset.
