Story by Nicole Lum/Red Sports. Photos by Clara Yuan/Red Sports
NYJC players celebrating their victory. (Photo 1 © Clara Yuan/Red Sports)
Yio Chu Kang Sports Complex, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 — Down 0–2 in the girls’ final of the National A Division Volleyball Championship, Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) came back to beat defending champions Victoria Junior College (VJC) by sweeping the remaining three sets.
The first set saw VJC trail NYJC in the beginning. However, NYJC committed a few hitting and servicing errors that led to a 24–24 deuce. Using powerful blocks and accurate line shots, VJC then stole the first set 27–25.
Helmed by Nicole Tay (#3) and Wang Kai Qi (#10), VJC continued their streak by winning the following set 26–24. The pair displayed timely saves and accurate spikes, even though they faced solid offence from NYJC attackers Chan Tin Wing (#3) and Jolene Chan (#13).
Unfazed by the possibility of an eventual defeat, NYJC hit back in the third set. While VJC’s Claudia Tan (#18) executed several successful hits, it was not enough to neutralise NYJC’s stronger teamwork that was directed by setter Lee Xin Rou (#6).
A blunder on VJC’s part propelled NYJC to a five-point lead midway through, and from then on, the team went on to win their first set of the game 25–21 to trim the overall score to 1–2.
NYJC dominated the fourth set. This was mainly due to VJC’s inconsistent accuracy in their haste to conclude the victory. In addition, VJC’s lacklustre defence could not counter NYJC’s centre shots. Thus, NYJC cruised to a 25–18 fourth-set win after a spike from Cao Aijia (#4) to even the score up at 2–2.
The last set saw both teams tie the score up six times and it was unclear who would win. Both teams were neck and neck but NYJC had the stronger attack. A fast spike yet again by Aijia (#4) sealed the 15–13 victory for NYJC.
When asked about the first two sets, NYJC teacher-in-charge, Tam Choon Chor said, “We were not playing well then as we worried too much about winning. That’s why our players made a lot of unnecessary mistakes. In fact, it was obvious that the opponents got the point mainly due to our errors and not from their own attacks.”
The NYJC team had entered the final unbeaten. “We told them that the title was ours and that it was ours to take. We believed that we could win. That’s why even after losing two sets, our players were still calm and they weren’t worried,” Tan explained.
“I think it was because they had fewer players than us. Also, our substitute players were of the same standard as their main ones. So we were allowed more changeovers whenever we had players who were not in good form,” added Tan.
NYJC team captain, Chan Tin Wing (#3) was “very happy” with her team’s win. “We were very determined. We lost for the first two sets but we didn’t give up and managed to catch up in the fourth set,” she said.
“When we lost the first set, our coach comforted and encouraged us. He said that it was only the start and there were still other chances to win it back. I’m glad that he didn’t scold or blame us,” Tin Wing added. “Also, our morale was there compared to the previous matches where it wasn’t.”
NYJC last took the title in 2012 and have had to settle for second place since then. For them, this year’s return to the top of the podium has never been sweeter.
“Last year when VJC won they told us that it was sweet revenge. So this year we want to tell them that it’s an even sweeter revenge for us!” co-captain Vanessa Lim exclaimed. “We are very honoured that we’re able to bring back the title for the school.”
For VJC captain Wang Kai Qi (#10), she felt that her team had put in a commendable effort too despite the loss. “We played very well. The players put in a lot of effort and fought all the way to the end. Their mentality was very strong even though it was a close fight and we had two players down,” she explained.
VJC teacher-in-charge, Teo Zhiye, agreed. He said, “It was an awesome match but unfortunately they lost. Our two main players suffered cramps and hence were down. It was unlucky in the final set but the better team got it, even though we tried our best.”
Scoring by Set
VJC vs NYJC
1st set: 27–25
2nd set: 26–24
3rd set: 21–25
4th set: 18–25
5th set: 13–15
VJC Roster
Tammy Choo Min Li (#2), Nicole Tay Yi Shen (#3), Lee Ming Xi (#4), Jolie Aw Yue Pin (#6), Ng Yen Yi (#7), Chin Hui-Xin, Aileen (#8), Kwek Jia Hui, Rochelle (#9), Wan Kai Qi (#10), Chn Kai Lyn (#11), Lee Liang Ying (#13), Lim Jia Hui, Victoria (#14), Tan Ying Xuan Claudia (#18)
NYJC Roster
Ong Elicia (#2), Chan Tin Wing (#3), Cao Aijia (#4), Lim Wan Yong, Vanessa (#5), Lee Xin Rou (#6), Isabel Lim Ai Shan (#7), Sim Share Lin (#8), Francesca Naila Dipoditiro (#9), Lim Yan Shan (#10), Ho Shing Chian Juliana (#11), Lim Fang Tian, Jacqueline (#12), Chan Wan Lin, Jolene (#13), Kwang Yi Juin (#14), Ng Jing Ting (#16)
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