Bukit Panjang Govt High survive comeback to beat Nanyang Girls’ High in semi-final of B Division West Zone volleyball

Story and Pictures by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Chua Chu Kang Sports Hall, Wednesday, February 18, 2009 – Bukit Panjang Govt High School booked a date with Shuqun Secondary in the final of the girls’ B Division West Zone Volleyball Championship with a hard fought 2-0 (25-19, 27-25) win over Nanyang Girls' High School in their semi-final matchup this week.

Nanyang's #5 got things going for her opponents as she tipped the ball out of court, but #1 got a point back for them with a strong spike. Bukit Panjang's #3 had other ideas, with an ace giving them the lead once again.

Despite losing the first two of three points, Nanyang began to show their dominance on the court and it didn't take them long to establish a 9-5 lead, prompting a timeout by Bukit Panjang.

It was a great move as the team started to make use of their towering players to hold Nanyang back and drag themselves back into the match at 11-10.

Midway through the set, both teams began to cancel each other out as they traded points in an attempt to take the lead. But it was Bukit Panjang that edge ahead to take a 20-15 lead thanks to great team work and movement around the court.

Soon, they had a 23-16 lead and Nanyang's #6 added to it with a bad spike which went out to give Bukit Panjang set point. Despite saving a point, a bad serve by #2 gave the set to Bukit Panjang at 25-17.

Nanyang sparked an attempted come back as they played a much more composed game in the second set after they were settled. Spikes from #1 were essential to the comeback as Nanyang tried to out play their taller opponents.

However, despite their opponents taking the match to them, Bukit Panjang remained within striking distance with no more than three points between the teams. At 22-20, Bukit Panjang made their move scoring two points to level the scores. #1 followed this up with two aces to give Bukit Panjang match point.

Nanyang didn't go down without a fight as they finally leveled the match at 25-25. But their good work was undone when #4 failed to tip the ball over the net to give Bukit Panjang match point once again. An unstoppable spike by #6 after a long rally was enough to put the game to sleep for Bukit Panjang as they won the second set 27-25.

Final score: 2-0 (25-17, 27-25)