WITH THE start of a new semester, the annual Yonsei-Korea Games was held throughout the stadiums in Mok-dong and Goyang. Yonsei’s efforts to sharpen the sword of revenge after losing last year’s games was sadly blocked, narrowly losing with a total score of 3:2. All five matches unfolded excitingly, displaying the fierceness of the annual event. 

A game of hide-and-seek

   The salute was fired by the baseball game held in Mok-dong Baseball Stadium, where Yonsei achieved a 6:4 win. The initial stalemate was broken as Yonsei managed to score two points with a series of multiple hits. Korea University’s counterattack was fierce, scoring a point in the fifth inning. However, Yonsei’s batter lineup safely sealed the match by adding up four points at the following inning. The opponent team did not give up and scored two additional points in their last attack, but it was not enough to turn the situation around. Consequentially, Yonsei succeeded in making a refreshing start to the rival event.

One-sided match at the ice rink

   The ice hockey team also brought a pleasing result at the neighboring stadium, dominating Korea University throughout the game. The first period finished with both teams hitting the back of the net once. The next period continued with Yonsei’s one-sided attack, eventually taking a one-goal lead against the opponent. At the last period, Korea University tried their best to penetrate through Yonsei’s solid defense, which was constantly blocked by the skillful goalie Jang Ga-ram (Sr., Dept. of Physical Education). It was rather Yonsei that managed to score two additional goals with a sharp counterattack. Eventually, Yonsei seized the victory with a 4:1 score. 

An unlucky loss in the court

   The winning streak came to a halt in the basketball court when Yonsei lost with a tight score of 60:64. In the first two quarters, Yonsei struggled in defense, constantly allowing chances for the opponent to score. Although the match seemed to be tilting to Korea University’s favor, Yonsei did not give up. The team eventually caught up in the third quarter, resulting in a seesaw game in the last quarter. A great scene of two teams reversing the score multiple times was displayed, grasping the audience regardless of the result. 

A sense of foreboding

   Rugby was the first game of the second day and ended up in a shocking result. With a 27:41 score, Yonsei missed their opportunity to seize the position as the overall winner. The first period proceeded smoothly as Yonsei managed to take the lead. However, the atmosphere tilted quickly when the opponent continued to succeed in attaining points. Korea University’s fierce attack was enough to shake Yonsei University’s rugby team, and the match finished with Korea University gaining victory. 

A well-fought defeat

   As the overall score for the Yonsei-Korea Games was a 2:2 tie, the winner was to be decided at the final match between each university’s soccer team. Tens of thousands of audiences filled up the stadium to witness this year’s winner, fervently cheering the players. Korea University took the initial dominance as they continued threatening Yonsei’s goalpost with tight pressing and organized passing play, but it was not enough to create an actual result. Then, an unexpected situation happened as Yonsei’s defender was sent off for handball, awarding a penalty kick to the opponent. Despite having one less player in the field, Yonsei tried their best to catch up through relentless defending and fierce counterattacks. However, the sending-off was critical in terms of stamina, resulting in a succession of two goals during injury time. The match ended in a 0:3 defeat and Yonsei University conceded the Yonsei-Korea Games to Korea University once again.