Story by Jiexin Neo/Red Sports. Photos by Clara Yuan/Red Sports

VBALL-ADIV-HCI-VS-AJC-9

Gwyneth Teo (HCI #1) spikes against AJC players. (Photo 1 © Clara Yuan/Red Sports)

Physical Education and Sports Education Branch, Friday, May 9, 2014 — Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) beat Anderson Junior College (AJC) 3–0 (25–17, 25–22, 25–18) in the National A Division Girls Volleyball Championship to clinch third.

HCI came in fourth in the past two years, while AJC were in the top eight last year.

The scores were neck and neck at the start of the first set. It was tied at 7–7 midway through the game when Gwyneth Teo (HCI #1) spiked one to give HCI their first lead (8–7). Thereafter, HCI outscored AJC 8–2 to take on a seven-point lead (16–9). Eirena Beh (HCI #3) was crucial for HCI in this set as she led her team with strong spikes offensively. AJC played a better game towards the end, matching up to their opponents’ efforts to register an 8–8 run (24–17). However, it was too late as HCI’s early lead allowed them to ice the set 25–17.

In the second set, AJC were trailing 1–4 when their well-timed blocks at the net allowed them to level at 4–4. Then on, AJC maintained their defensive dominance to deny HCI’s attacks time and time again. Offensively, Pua Le Jie (AJC #18) had several spikes to consistently put points onto the scoreboard. AJC’s well-rounded game allowed them to take on a 12–7 lead.

Koh Yi Ying (HCI #18) however, was determined to reduce the deficit and hence executed several short spikes to pace her team for a comeback. HCI registered five points straight to draw even at 12–12. From there, not more than two points separated the teams at any one time. With HCI leading 19–17, Le Jie (AJC #18) tried to retaliate with good defence at the net, but HCI’s team effort allowed them to take it 25–22.

Both HCI and AJC appeared to be evenly-matched early into the third set. For AJC, Jemima Koh (#16) secured crucial points with several spikes that went unattended. HCI were leading 9–8 and pulled away to 16–8 with seven unanswered points. Gwyneth (HCI #1) played a huge part in that with her spikes and alert defence at the net.

Vanessa Thien (#17) and Le Jie (#18) of AJC tried to contain HCI’s offensive plays with good spike blocks, but HCI were unstoppable with their consistent well-timed attacks. HCI were leading 22–18 when AJC’s defensive mistakes allowed them to score three straight points to take the set 25–18 and third place in the championship.

HCI captain, Yi Ying (#8), said, “Even though we didn’t hit our target this year, as a team we’ve come very far from pre-season to now. Just very proud of every single one, even the reserves. They really put in a lot of effort, supporting us and cheering on for us.”

AJC captain, Le Jie (#18), said, “I think we could have done better. I think we could improve attack-wise, and all the small individual mistakes made during the game.”

Scoring by Set
HCI vs AJC
1st set: 25–17
2nd set: 25–22
3rd set: 25–18

Hwa Chong Institution Roster
Gwyneth Teo Sue Ern (#1), Goh Jia Min (#2), Beh Hui Ning Eirena (#3), Ng Ai Wei Joelle (#4), Foo Hi Xin Jenies (#5), Yu Zi Rong (#6), Lee Aow See (#7), Koh Yi Ying (#8), Amanda Aw Qian Yi (#9), Ng Wei Ling Sonia (#10), Tan Ying Jin (#11), Oei Tian Ling Elysia (#12), Chen Zi Ying Chloe (#15), Gu Xue Tian (#17)

Anderson Junior College Roster
Kwek Yin Suan (#2), Liong Soo Sian (#3), Rachel Ong Zilin (#6), Vivian Ong Hui Ying (#7), Chiok Pei Wen (#8), Ng Jingwen Lenice (#9), Shi Jinxin (#10), Ng Jingyi Shanice (#11), Tay Hwee Hoon (#12), Neo Su Wei (#13), Tan Peng Ling (#15), Jemima Koh Jia En (#16), Thien Hui Ying Vanessa (#17), Pua Le Jie (#18)

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