Shuqun pip Ngee Ann to quarter-final spot in National B Division Girls Volleyball

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Presbyterian High School, Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - Shuqun Secondary edged out Ngee Ann Secondary for a place in the quarter-finals after winning 2-0 (25-13, 25-21) in a Group A match at the National B Division Girls Volleyball Championship.

The set started with Shuqun taking the lead after Carolyn (Ngee Ann #8) served out. However, a good tap by Ngee Ann saw them take back service. Ngee Ann went up to take a lead, but Shuqun closed in, keeping the scores neck and neck.

Minor slip ups by Ngee Ann saw Shuqun take a slender lead at 14-11. Shuqun stepped up to their game and piled on the pressure. Ngee Ann suddenly found themselves in a situation where they were unable to break from Shuqun's scoring streak. A time out at the 19-12 mark provided no relief as Shuqun continued their rampage.

Shuqun continued holding Ngee Ann at the 12-point mark, and reached set point after Carolyn (Ngee Ann #8) had a bad receive from the Shuqun #10's serve. However, Fiona (Ngee Ann #17) forced a touch out with her spike to keep the team's hope alive.

Clarrissa (Shuqun #2) sealed the set 25-12 for the team after she sent a spike to the backline.

Ngee Ann were not going to be discouraged by their loss in the first set, entering the second set with renewed strength. Despite losing the first two points to Shuqun, they fought back and leveled 2-2 with Shuqun. The Ngee Ann #16 took advantage of a minor confusion in the Shuqun court to score with a light hit spike.

However, it was a repeat of the first set as Shuqun charged forward to take a resounding lead. Ngee Ann time-outs at the 10-7, and 15-8 mark were unable to stop Shuqun who were on a high.

Ngee Ann seemed to have trouble spiking across, but were undaunted by the challenge that stood ahead. Point by point, they aimed to catch up with Shuqun. Ngee Ann eventually tied 19-19 with Shuqun after a net touch from Shuqun.

Shuqun were not going to let Ngee Ann turn the tables on them as they took back service with a good spike from the outside. They went another point up when Carolyn (Ngee Ann #8) spiked out from the outside.

Shuqun were soon at 23-19 after a good serve from Kavis (Shuqun #6) which Ngee Ann could not receive. Ngee Ann was given a point after Rosanna (Shuqun #8) tapped a light ball into the net. However, she made amends when she deflected her spike off a Ngee Ann player in the next rally to see the team reach match point.

Ngee Ann were not going to go down without a fight as Carolyn (Ngee Ann #8) fired off a powerful spike into the Shuqun court which saw it deflected out.

But it was not going to be Ngee Ann's day as Shuqun took home the last point after a well executed drop shot by Clarrissa (Shuqun #2).

Shuqun now progress into the quarter-finals alongside Group A leader Xinmin Secondary.

More photos in the gallery.

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

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