Shuqun defeat Jurong to emerge as West Zone B Division girls volleyball champions

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall, Thursday, February 17, 2011 – Shuqun Secondary beat zonal defending champions Jurong Secondary in dramatic fashion to win the West Zone B Division Girls volleyball final. Shuqun had to come back from behind in the first set and hold off a last ditch comeback attempt by Jurong in the second set to eventually triumph 2-0 (25-22, 25-22). Shuqun in particular had lots to cheer about as their B Division Boys’ team were equally victorious in the Boys’ final, allowing a West Zone double for the school.

In the earlier 3rd/4th placing match, Bukit Panjang Government High defeated Hua Yi Secondary 2-1 (25-15, 14-25, 25-14).

Shuqun started the set with an advantage as they took an early 3-0 lead. It was after a tight rally before Jurong took their point via a spike from Rachel Lau (Jurong #12). Jurong quickly caught up to tie the score at 5-5. It was clearly a fight worthy on a final as both teams fought hard to keep each other at bay. With the scores still tied at the 7-7 mark, Jurong made a push and broke free from the stalemate to lead 11-7, prompting a time out from Shuqun.

Upon resumption, Shuqun made every effort to cancel out Jurong’s lead, and point by point, came to within one point of Jurong to trail 11-12. Through good defensive work, Shuqun managed to stop Rachel’s (Jurong #12) spike in the next rally, subsequently seeing Jurong unable to rescue the blocked shot. Jurong were aiming to keep Shuqun on their hind foot as they went ahead to lead once again. Unfortunately, a series of spikes that went out of bounds saw Shuqun come quickly back into the game again. At the 19-18 mark, Jurong called for a time out in an attempt to break Shuqun’s momentum. However, Shuqun nullified Jurong’s lead as Jurong were unable to receive Gabrielle Louise’s (Shuqun #10) subsequent spike.

The tables were then turned on Jurong after a foot fault on the centre line saw Shuqun take the lead. Shuqun’s lead increased after Tan Libing’s (Jurong #9) was blocked at the opposite corner. Shuqun made use of their momentum to push towards set point. They saw themselves lead 24-19 after another successful block of Libing’s (Jurong #9) spike.

Jurong were not going to go down easily, as Lim Ziqing (Jurong #8) snatched a point after her backcourt spike found an empty spot in Shuqun’s court. Shuqun fumbled at the next two rallies, allowing Jurong to earn two valuable points. With the score at 24-22, it was certainly a lead up to a nail-biting finish. All eyes were on whether Jurong could stage a comeback while Shuqun were gaming to finish off the set quickly. Alas, it was not to be for Jurong as Rachel’s (Jurong #12) attack went into the net for Shuqun to seal the set.

Jurong’s woes continued in the second set as a backcourt spike by Libing (Jurong #9) went into the net. Two consecutive receives by Jurong libero Qiufeng (#3) which went out of bounds saw Shuqun start off with a 3-0 lead. The match quickly started to heat up again as Jurong stormed right back into the game to level the scores at the 6-6 mark. Both teams continued to be neck and neck as the scores continued to be tied at the 9-9 mark.

However, a sudden stroke of bad luck struck Jurong as they stumbled subsequently. Shuqun used this to their advantage to garner a decisive lead. Jurong consequently called for a time out at the 20-14 mark.

But despite Shuqun eventually commanding a 23-15 lead, the fire within Jurong was reignited as they managed to hold Shuqun at bay to rake in four consecutive points, prompting a time out from Shuqun. Still, it was not enough to stop Jurong’s comeback attempt, as Qiuluan (Jurong #2) fired back a loose ball at the net to narrow the score gap to just three points. Shandy Tan (Jurong #5) then served an ace to further narrow the score gap. Rachel (Jurong #12) subsequently brought the score to 23-22 when her light tap was deflected out of bounds by the Shuqun libero Goh Wanjing (#12).

Jurong’s hopes of closing in the lead were subsequently dashed in the next rally when a set by Rachel (Jurong #12) was ruled as a ‘double’ despite protests. With the score at 24-22 once again, it was a nerve wracking moment for everyone. Cally (Shuqun #1) stepped up to the service line and let loose the ball towards Jurong. When the latter’s receive was deflected out of bounds, it was a sign for celebration for Shuqun as they clinch the last point and the match.

Final score
Shuqun 2 Jurong 0
(25-22, 25-22)

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