IVP Floorball (Women): Nanyang Polytechnic advance to final with 4-1 victory over Temasek Polytechnic

Story by REDintern Ethan Lou. Pictures by REDintern Xaveria Mo.

Republic Polytechnic Sports Complex, Friday, January 21, 2011 — Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) attained a 4-1 victory over Temasek Polytechnic (TP) in the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) floorball competition, advancing to the final to face off against Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).

The first period passed without a goal despite the aggressive game play. NYP were awarded two penalties but were unable to get on the scoresheet.

The second period saw Siti Melissa (NYP #18) scoring the first goal of the match for NYP in the fourth minute. NYP then maintained their one point till the last minute when Maria Chia (TP #23) equalized, ending the period with both sides tied at 1-1.

The game intensified during the fourth quarter, with both teams desperate to gain an edge over their opponents. However, the score stagnated at 1-1 till the 11th minute when NYP went on scoring streak through Marie Clarisse (NYP #17), Siti Melissa and an own goal by TP. They eventually sealed the victory 4-1 to set up a gold medal clash with SIM, whom they beat 3-1 in the group stage.

NYP captain Siti Melissa reflected about their win, “Actually, it was unexpected because for IVP this was our first time we made it to the semi-final and final, so we are very happy because we worked very hard for the group games against SIM and NUS and they are very tough teams. So, making it to the finals is a very good opportunity for us.”

“They (TP) worked very hard, they are a very tough team. For the first period and second period, they really went all out. But then, I guess the luck was on our side, so they don’t deserve (a victory) because we really fought very hard. They were very competitive opponents,” she said about TP.

Reflecting on the girls’ stellar performance, NYP coach Xie Ruyi said, ” I thought the girls are very deserving. They played very hard, they think they are the underdogs because they started playing without one of my key players and they defended very hard int he group stage and it was good that they made it to the top twenty before and it gave them a lot of confidence,”

Speaking of the gold medal game, Coach Xie said, “I guess I would not put a bet on whether we win it or not, I just hope my girls will try their best. As long they they step off the court, knowing that they have tried their best, think it is good enough for me and for them.”

Editor’s note: Kindly let us know the names of the players featured if you recognise any. Do feel free to let us know in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks.