B Div Vball: Shuqun defeat St Hilda’s in top of table clash

Presbyterian High, Friday, March 23, 2012 — St Hilda’s Secondary’s chances of retaining their title suffered a dent when they lost to Shuqun Secondary at a crucial stage of the competition. Shuqun Secondary beat the five-time defending champions 2-1 (25-18, 21-25, 28-26) in a thrilling top of the table clash of the National B Division Boys’ Volleyball Championship.

Both teams had already qualified for the semi-finals and were hoping to finish on top of Group X to avoid meeting East Zone champions Dunman Secondary who had topped Group Y. Earlier in the zonal competition, Dunman Secondary manage to wrestle the zonal title away from St Hilda’s after numerous years.

Both teams were fairly even with Shuqun scoring 50 points from 40 kills, six blocks and four service aces. St Hilda’s had 45 points from 34 kills, six blocks, three service aces and a well placed shot from their libero. Shuqun had a higher number of defensive errors but made up for the difference with a slightly higher number of kills and forcing block errors from St Hilda’s. Haziq (Shuqun #10) emerged as the top scorer of the match with 18 points from 17 kills and one service ace while Royston (St Hilda’s #3) was the top scorer of his team with 13 points from 13 kills.

Shuqun had take the lead early in the first set as St Hilda’s had to contend with playing catchup. Despite leveling the score 6-6, Shuqun managed to pull ahead once again to lead 14-9.

Haziq (Shuqun #10) was instrumental in carving out a lead for Shuqun as he scored several points early in the set. He had a total of nine kills in the first set while keeping a clean sheet in terms of hit errors.

St Hilda’s could not stop Shuqun’s momentum and were soon staring at a ten-point deficit as they trailed 10-20 to Shuqun. However, they did not go down without a fight as they pulled back to bring the score 24-18, the last point being scored via a service ace from Darius (St Hilda’s #1).

A timeout by Shuqun at this point put a hold to St Hilda’s comeback attempt. Haziq (Shuqun #10) then sealed the set for the team after spiking down the St Hilda’s block.

Defensive errors plagued Shuqun at the start of the second set to allow St Hilda’s the lead. A timeout at the 12-9 mark allowed Shuqun to subsequently close in, but they simply could not pull back to take the lead. Shuqun also scored far less kills in the set as they managed nine kills as opposed to St Hilda’s 11 kills. Coupled with seven defensive errors, four block errors and three unforced errors, Shuqun had to watch on as St Hilda’s took the set 25-21.

The third set was a far more exiting one as both teams tried hard to outdo each other.

Shuqun managed to pull ahead 6-1 only for St Hilda’s to come racing back in. At the changeover, Shuqun held on to a slender two-point lead with St Hilda’s hot on their heels. St Hilda’s finally evened out the odds when they tied the score 15-15. They then turned the tables on Shuqun to steal the lead.

Shuqun were not contented with surrendering their lead that easily and fought back to level the score again. The score continued to be tied at the 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23-point mark before Shuqun took the advantage with a drop shot to the back of St Hilda’s court.

Josiah (St Hilda’s #7) managed to save the match point and the team subsequently took the advantage after a strong spike by Bryan (St Hilda’s #4).

Sin Hau (Shuqun #11) managed to hold off St Hilda’s with a spike of his own and were subsequently given the lead after Derrick (St Hilda’s #10) sent his spike out of bounds. Unfortunately, Renz (Shuqun #1) served out of bounds to see the score tied 26-26.

As a tight rally ensued, Haziq (Shuqun #10) forced his spike down the St Hilda’s block to take match point for the team. Litek (Shuqun #8) then sealed the match as he forced his shot off the St Hilda’s blocker to see it drop into an empty spot.

Final score
Shuqun 2 St Hilda’s 1
25-18, 21-25, 28-26

Shuqun Secondary will now play Group Y runner-up Catholic High in the semi-finals on Friday, March 30. St Hilda’s will face Dunman Secondary in what would be a rematch of the East Zone final. Should St Hilda’s lose, it would mean that five-time defending champions would surrender their crown to a new team this year.

Shuqun vs St Hilda's - Match Statistics

For more photos, go to the next page.