Araujo's 23 Points Lead Woori Card to a Clean Sweep in V-League Opener

Woori Card's Dominating Season Opener

Did you catch Woori Card’s impressive 3-0 sweep over Korea Electric Power in the 2025-2026 V-League opener? The match, held on October 20 at Suwon Gymnasium, set the tone for an exciting volleyball season. Woori Card's Brazilian opposite hitter Rafael Araujo exploded onto the court, leading the team with 23 points and a strike efficiency over 58%. The team's vibrant offense was backed by strong performances from Asian quota player Ali Hagparast and local attacking talent Kim Ji-Han, who added 16 and 10 points respectively.
Coach Mauricio Paes expressed high expectations for Araujo, who has proven his mettle across Brazil, Japan, and Qatar. This debut confirmed the faith in his abilities, as he delivered powerful spikes, crucial blocks, and key service aces, igniting fan excitement.
Korea Electric Power, relying heavily on Canadian opposite Vernon Evans, struggled to find rhythm, scoring just 9 points in the game, reflecting the challenge posed by the Woori Card defense.

Araujo's Impact and the Team Dynamics

Araujo’s leadership shone, especially during tight moments. In the third set, after a tough rally and a brief lead by Korea Electric Power, clutch blocks from Araujo and teammates shifted momentum back. His all-around play—combining offensive firepower, solid blocks, and smart serves—made him a formidable presence.
Ali on the left wing complemented Araujo perfectly, delivering four service aces and generating 16 points, proving that Woori Card’s new foreign players are already meshing well with domestic stars. The veteran Kim Ji-Han’s steady contribution helped maintain the lead against Korea Electric Power’s late surge.
The synergy underscored Woori Card’s preparedness and team spirit, signaling a strong contender for this season’s title.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Insights

Fans expressed excitement on online communities like Naver and Tistory, praising Araujo’s immediate impact and the team’s polished performance. The highlight reels of his towering spikes and dynamic blocks quickly went viral, energizing the domestic volleyball scene.
Overseas fans are encouraged to know that Woori Card's balanced roster and strategic play reflect a growing professionalism in Korea’s V-League, combining seasoned foreign talent like Araujo with promising local players.
Interestingly, this season’s opener was postponed due to FIVB’s international competition schedule, showcasing how global volleyball calendars influence Korean leagues. This careful coordination allows players to compete globally and domestically without conflict, enriching the sport’s local and international appeal.

Looking Ahead in the 2025 V-League Season

With a clean opening win, Woori Card has set a high bar for this season. The matchup underscored the growing competitiveness in Korea Electric Power too, who despite the loss, brought in Vernon Evans to boost their offense.
As the season unfolds, the rivalry between key foreign players like Araujo and Evans will be a focal point, thrilling fans with their different styles and backgrounds.
Expect Woori Card to leverage Araujo’s experience and leadership alongside rising Korean stars to advance deep into the season, promising an exhilarating volleyball journey that fans inside and outside Korea will want to follow closely.