Shuqun beat Huayi 2-0 to set up showdown with Ngee Ann in U-16 volleyball

Story and pictures by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.

Hougang Sports Hall, Sunday, November 9, 2008 – Shuqun Secondary have kept their hopes alive after beating Huayi Secondary 2-0 (25-17, 25-13) in a Round 2, Group Y match at the 2008 National U-16 Girls Junior Volleyball Championship.

Shuqun, featuring several strong spikers, were expected not to have much difficulty winning this game. However, Huayi’s defence often surprised Shuqun as Huayi bravely took on whatever attacks Shuqun could throw at them.

Shuqun stormed off to an early lead in the first set, bringing the score to 7-1. However, Shuqun served several bad balls which went out of bounds or into the net to allow Huayi to catch up. At the 14-10 mark, Shuqun setter served out to bring the score to 15-10. Huayi had the chance to catch up further but their attack found the net, giving Shuqun the serve again.

To Shuqun’s dismay, Shuqun #8’s serve found the net, giving Huayi the serve again.

But Shuqun were not to be put down for long as they fought hard and brought the score to 20-13 after a well placed drop shot by their setter.

Shuqun was brought to the set point after Huayi’s setter set a ‘double’, with the score at 24-17. The last point was won when Shuqun #8 executed a drop shot from the opposite corner to the centre of the Hillgrove court, right behind the blocker, to end the set 25-17.

The second set saw more rallies between the two teams. Huayi tried their best to return whatever Shuqun threw at them. Huayi’s setter #3 particularly tried her best to keep up the play for team, even running straight into the crowd to rescue a stray ball.

Perhaps it was a tactic to force a touch out, but Shuqun spiked several of their shots directly at the Huayi players. This prolonged the rally as Huayi often could pick up these spikes.

However, Shuqun stepped up the pace and were soon at game point after Shuqun #7 tapped the ball from the centre to some empty space.

Shuqun #2 had the task of taking home the last point as she had the serve. Her ball was received by a Huayi player, but the ball flew right into the net. Huayi’s setter went diving to rescue the ball but to no avail. Shuqun took home the point and the game.

Final score: 2-0 (25-17, 25-13)

Having won this match, Shuqun will now have to battle Ngee Ann Secondary on Monday, 10 November in order to qualify for the semi-finals. Who ever wins the match would be runners up in Group X after Presbyterian High (Red). Good luck to both teams!

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!