By Zachary Foo/Red Sports

Yeo Jing Yi (CGS #17) serves the ball into play. She formed a fearsome service tandem along with Chan Yao Yi (CGS #4). (Photo 1 © Zachary Foo/Red Sports)

Presbyterian High School, Wednesday, August 13, 2014 — Cedar Girls’ Secondary (CGS) stepped on the pedal to nab a 2–0 (25–22, 25–12) win over St. Hilda’s Secondary (SHS) in the second round of the National C Division Girls Volleyball Championship.

The win puts Cedar Girls’ at the top of Group X with a 1–0 win-loss record, while St. Hilda’s Secondary fall to a 0–1 win-loss record.

St. Hilda’s started the game well, going on a 4–2 run early on. They did well by serving balls that Cedar Girls’ found it difficult to return. However, their serve was a double-edged sword, as they gifted some free points to Cedar Girls’ by serving into the net.

St Hilda’s did well to set up for SHS (#11) to score, going on a 4–0 run. However, Cedar Girls’ came storming back on the serve of Jing Yi (CGS #17). Along with two straight aces, Cedar Girls’ were able to score six straight points behind Jing Yi’s strong service play.

St. Hilda’s were not to be outdone, as they came back to tie the game at 15-all. Chan Yao Yi (CGS #4) then stepped up for Cedar Girls’ as her good serves were able to give Cedar Girls’ a comfortable six-point cushion.

As Cedar Girls’ edged toward set point, St. Hilda’s did well to stay close. They were able to pull the scores back to 22–23, but eventually conceded the set to Cedar Girls’.

Yao Yi (CGS #4) helped Cedar Girls’ get off the ground in the second set, starting them off with a 4–0 run. Astrid Lee (CGS #12) had a good spike in the set, eliciting weak returns from the St. Hilda’s players.

St. Hilda’s then decided to switch their strategy, sending in SHS (#9) to give them a different dimension on offence. The strategy proved initially successful, as Cedar Girls’ seemed befuddled by her quick setting that threw off their block timing.

Cedar Girls’ eventually shook off the short St. Hilda’s run when they got the service back. They were able to build upon and extend their lead on their strong service play.

The icing on the cake came when Jing Yi (CGS #17) smashed a hard spike into the heart of the St. Hilda’s defence, setting up match point. Cedar Girls’ then closed out the game, taking the set 25–12.

Cedar Girls’ will next face Shuqun Secondary on Friday, August 15, at 12 p.m. at Presbyterian High School Court 1. St. Hilda’s will take on Bukit Panjang Government High School in the next game at 12.50 p.m.

Cedar Girls’ captain, Saw Lin Min (#16), said, “I think we did a really good job today. We made sure to dig all the balls and not give up on any despite our fatigue. We want to thank our principal for coming down to watch us today. I felt that we did well in the second set as we calmed down and were more warmed up.”

Scoring by Set
Cedar Girls’ Secondary vs St. Hilda’s Secondary
First set: 25–22 (1–0)
Second set: 25–12 (2–0)

Cedar Girls’ Secondary Roster
Ong Yanning (#2), Chan Yao Yi (#4), Nikki (#5), Daphne Low (#6), Divya (#7), Lee Jia Ying (#8), Lee Lyi Shuenn (#9), Chloe Wang (#10), Astrid Lee (#12), Boh Zexuan (#13), Tsu Jia Yi (#15), Saw Lin Min (#16), Yeo Jing Yi (#17)

St. Hilda’s Secondary Roster
We were unable to obtain the roster for St Hilda’s Secondary. If you recognise any of the players, please post them in the comments below and we’ll update the post. Thanks.

More photos next page