Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe

VJC’s Melody gets tackled by an MI defender. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Delta Sports Complex, Thursday, May 15, 2008 – Victoria Junior College beat Millenia Institute 2-0 in their National A Division Girls’ Hockey Championship sem-final last week. It was a close affair in the first half but VJC simply dominated and took control in the second to score two goals to bounce MI out of the championship.

MI started the match on a bright note, taking the game to VJC. They displayed their usual flair with smooth dribbling and they pressed in on VJ’s goal. This disrupted VJ’s tempo and they could not settle down into the game. As VJ tried to find their rhythm, MI exploited every little mistake VJ made. However, they were unable to convert any of these chances into any goals. On the occasions that VJC tried to crack the MI defense, they were effectively stopped. Both teams went into the break dead even with neither having a significant goal-scoring opportunity.

When the second half started, it was VJC’s turn to dominate and they turned on the style with confidence and renewed determination. 10 minutes into the second half, the finally managed to crack the MI defense. From a short corner, VJC’s Yusheng (#18) drilled a screaming shot into the bottom corner of the goal, penetrating the wall of bodies protecting the goal. With that goal, VJC finally became more settled. The VJ game plan was a simple one – to outrun, outwit and outlast their opponents. They did it with much ease as MI’s efforts became more labored under the glaring sun. A second goal was added not long after, VJ’s speedy right winger making her way into the box, sending the ball across the face of goal where striker, Estee (#10) deflected the ball into the net.

VJC’s captain, Laura, was full of praise for her team mates after the match. “I am very happy with the way we played as a team. We stuck to the plans and made our chances count. I was quite worried after the first half but once we got the first goal, things just fell into place.” She also credited their coach for giving an inspiring half-time pep talk as well for guiding the team through the many group stages. The VJC girls are the defending champions and they look set to take on St Andrew’s Junior College, last year’s runner-up, again.

VJC’s Melody about to take a shot at goal. (Photo 2 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player breaks through the MI defense into the penalty area. (Photo 3 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Yusheng scores with a direct hit from the short corner. (Photo 4 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

An MI player moves in to tackle a VJC player. (Photo 5 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Melody sends the cross in for Estee to score. (Photo 6 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Estee celebrates after scoring the second goal. (Photo 7 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Hanwei gets tackled on her way into the box. (Photo 8 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Hanwei fights for the ball after the MI keeper made a diving save. (Photo 9 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Rui on a one-on-one situation with the MI keeper. (Photo 10 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Rui dribbling down the flanks and beating several MI players on the way. (Photo 11 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s captain, Laura, changing directions as she dribbles past the MI player. (Photo 12 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

An MI defender dives in for the ball. (Photo 13 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s captain, Laura, attempting a pass as the MI defender closes in. (Photo 14 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player trying to handle a high ball. (Photo 15 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)