Dunman and Ngee Ann win semi-finals of U13 girls volleyball championship

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Hougang Sports Hall, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 – Dunman Secondary and Ngee Ann Secondary have progressed into the final of the U13 Girls National Junior Volleyball Championship 2010 after winning their respective semi-final matches. Dunman beat Anderson Secondary 2-0 (25-9, 25-19) while Ngee Ann defeated Jurong Secondary 2-0 (25-19, 25-16).

In the first semi-final of the day, Dunman exerted their dominance early in the match, blitzing off to a 10-0 lead over Anderson. It was only after a spike that went out of bounds by Dunman did Anderson take their first point. However, Dunman’s scoring streak continued uninterrupted thereafter as they took back control of the game, with Anderson calling for a time-out at the 12-1 mark. However, it provided no respite as Dunman continued chalking up points, and eventually took set point after many strong serves from their #3. After an intense rally, Tiffany Tan (Dunman #6) took the set for her team after a well executed drop shot to the corner.

The second set started off more evenly as Anderson started holding off Dunman’s advances. Anderson had strong foothold in the early half of the set, only to see Dunman level the scores 8-8. However, Anderson surged ahead and established a 15-11 lead. Dunman was not contented to be left behind, and fought hard for a comeback. Tiffany (Dunman #6) brought the scores level again at 17-17 after forcing a touch-out from the outside. Gwennie Seah (Dunman #14) then took the lead for her team after a spike from the centre. From then on, Dunman never looked back as they remained in the driving seat, reaching match point after a strong serve from Gwennie (Dunman #14). Tiffany sealed the match for her team after a cross court spike into the far corner.

Final score
Dunman 2 Anderson 0
(25-9, 25-19)

In the second semi-final, Ngee Ann established an early 6-3 lead as Jurong found trouble settling into the game. Nervous play from Jurong saw Ngee Ann pull forward, forcing a time out from the Jurong side at the 10-6 mark. Jurong continued having to play catch up as both teams edged forward. Towards the final half of the set, Ngee Ann surged forth to take set point after a serve by their #12. The Ngee Ann #12 sealed the set for her team after her next serve was deflected off a Jurong player.

Jurong put up a steadier performance in the first half of the second set as they kept the scores close at 6-8. However, Ngee Ann pulled a quick one over Jurong and blitzed ahead to lead 20-10. All seemed lost for Jurong, but they did not go down without a fight, as they took several points in succession to narrow down the score gap. However, a time out by Ngee Ann brought Ngee Ann back into their form as they brought themselves to set point with a strong serve by their #5. The Ngee Ann #14 took the last point for her team as her drop shot went unreturned.

Final score
Ngee Ann 2 Jurong 0
(25-19, 25-16)

Dunman will now play Ngee Ann in the final of the U13 Championships at 11am. Anderson on the other hand will play Jurong in the 3rd/4th placing match at 9am. Both matches will be held at Hougang Sports Hall.

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Thanks!