By REDintern Sherry Lim

Temasek Polytechnic, Friday, January 21, 2011 — The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) comprehensively beat the National University of Singapore (NUS) 3-0 to emerge champions in the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Mens’ Volleyball Championship.

NTU’s strong attacks left the NUS blockers with the challenge of keeping up as they wrapped up the first set 25-18.

The NTU defence was anchored by their libero whose quick and agile reaction blunted the NUS
attacks. In comparison, the NUS defence struggled with inconsistency in their receiving and blocking.

NTU wrapped up the second and third set 25-17 and the 25-18 respectively.

NTU Captain, Shawn Lim said: “The team played well today, better than [in the] previous matches. Our backend defence was better.”

“This is a good experience for the team. We’ve been playing for three years and this is the first time winning IVP,” added Shawn.

Teammate Yeo Kok How (NTU #13) also added: “The whole team worked well together. Me and the center managed to spike and get a lot of sets thanks to our team mate Yung Chieh, who set the ball good enough for us.”

When asked on what he said to his team, NTU coach Paul shared: “Well, I had four lines for them. Concentrate and focus. Think and play smart. Communicate, cheer and support. Lastly, enjoy the game.”

NUS captain Soo Sheng Li acknowledged the strength of the NTU team.

“The opposing team were strong on defence and physically, their players had the advantage as well,” he said.

Added the NUS vice-captain, Ben Tan: “We really wanted the points. We tried to block but it was challenging keeping that up throughout the whole set.”

Despite the final loss, NUS captain Sheng Li was proud of what his team achieved.

“The NUS team definitely tried their best tonight and I am proud of them. The whole IVP experience has been great. Semi-finals were tough and I’m glad as a team we’ve come this far.”

NTU lineup
Shawn Lim Wei Sheng (#18), Yeo Kok How (#13), Tan Kheng Yew Marcus (#8), Tay Meow Win (#2), Hariharan Subramaniam (#11), Foong Yung Chieh (#1), Javier Poon Long (#3), Joerg Kanonenberg (#10), Su Junda (#17), Foo Bing Guang (#9), Ng Chun Kiat (#5), Yak Zheng Qiang (#6), Brandon Tan (#7), Horace Goh (#12)

NUS lineup
Tan Ming Kai (#1), Lai Yong Hui (#2), Soo Sheng Li (#5), Tan Jun Yu (#6), Soh Zhen Xiang Jason (#7), Seah Chong Wan (#8), Ouyang Hongyi (#9), Tan Peng Soon Ben (#10), Ho BoWen (#13), Leong Wai Siang (#15), Chan You Wei Eugan (#16), Wong Hualun (#18), Lim Jun Yan Darrell (#4), Tan Qing Quan Kevin (#14)