Shuqun hold off Bukit Panjang in West Zone B Division girls volleyball

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Hua Yi Secondary, Monday, January 17, 2011 – Shuqun Secondary held off a resilient Bukit Panjang Government High to win 2-0 (25-21, 25-19) at their first Group C match in the B Division Girls West Zone Volleyball Championship. In the other group match, Greenridge Secondary beat Pioneer Secondary 2-0 (25-16, 25-11) to notch their first win as well.

Shuqun took the first point after Bukit Panjang were unable to return Rosanna’s (Shuqun #8) serve. The score remained close as both teams tried to get an edge over the other. With the scores tied at 8-8, Bukit Panjang pulled ahead to lead 12-8 prompting for a Shuqun time out. Bukit Panjang however continued holding Shuqun at bay and extended their lead to 17-13.

Shuqun were not contented to play second fiddle and fought hard to close the gap. Clarrissa Hon (Shuqun #2) provided much support for the team as she blocked and scored several points to bring Shuqun to one point away. The score was finally levelled at the 18-point mark after a spike by Bukit Panjang went out of bounds. Shuqun then turned the tables as they took the lead after Clarrissa’s served found the line. They stepped up their game and ultimately established a three-point lead at the crucial 23-point mark. Shuqun saw themselves at set point after a Bukit Panjang spike found the net. Despite Shuqun missing the next drop shot, they sealed the set after Bukit Panjang were unable to organise a return in the next rally.

Bukit Panjang started the second set on a strong note, blitzing to an 11-4 lead. Strong serves from the Bukit Panjang #14 allowed the team to maintain a comfortable lead. After a time out by Shuqun, the score gap grew increasingly smaller as Shuqun began their great catch up. Point by point they eroded Bukit Panjang’s lead, with Bukit Panjang having to call a time out after Shuqun came within one-point at 15-16. Bukit Panjang managed to hold off Shuqun, but it was short-lived as the latter levelled the scores at 18-18. Despite Bukit Panjang keeping the score neck and neck, they could not stop Shuqun’s advance to match point. Shuqun soon saw themselves at the 24-18 mark after their opponents were unable to organise a return. A spike out of bounds on the next rally was unable to dampen their spirits as Shuqun sealed the match after a drop shot by Bukit Panjang found the net.

Final score
Shuqun 2 Bukit Panjang 0
(25-21, 25-19)

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