B Division Girls’ Volleyball: Fairfield Methodist hold off Anderson in Round 2 of nationals

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Presbyterian High, Tuesday, March 22, 2011 –- Fairfield Methodist Secondary came back from one set down to defeat Group Y opponents Anderson Secondary 2-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-20) in Round 2 of the National B Division Girls’ Volleyball Championships.

Anderson were able to make a better impact in this match as they saw the return of centre spiker Jolly (Anderson #9) after a bout of injury ruled her out of the first round. Jolly’s return was certainly much welcomed as she made a total of 14 kills, three blocks and two service aces. Despite Fairfield taking the first two points via spikes from Jermaine Tan (Fairfield #16), Anderson quickly established a comfortable lead, prompting Fairfield to call a time out at the 13-9 mark. Anderson held on to their lead but eventually saw Fairfield stage a comeback. Fairfield continued to hold Anderson at the 21-point mark as they closed in.

The scores eventually leveled out at 21-21 after Anderson’s setter sent the ball out of bounds. With the scores later being tied at 22-22, Fairfield’s setter was unable to send the ball across, giving Anderson the crucial lead. The Anderson #1 then fired off an ace to bring the team to set point. Despite Fairfield managing to take the next point, Jolly (Anderson #9) sealed the set for her team with a spike from the backcourt.

In the second set, Anderson’s mistakes allowed Fairfield to pull ahead right from the start. Jermaine (Fairfield #16) and Jia Le (#14) provided many points for the team as they worked hard to make Anderson stumble. Jermaine and Jia Le formed the backbone of the Fairfield attack, with Jermaine making 20 kills while Jia Le had 18. Jermaine also had two service aces, making her the top scorer for the match. Eventually, Fairfield blitzed ahead from their initial 9-5 lead to seal the set 25-15.

In the third set, Fairfield once again regained their dominance as they charged to a 6-1 lead. Despite Anderson’s pursue, Fairfield held on to their advantage to lead 13-6 at the changeover. However, spikes from Denise (Anderson #7) saw the team quickly close in.

Anderson then turned the tables on Fairfield as they stole the lead to lead 15-16. Fairfield had to work hard to bring themselves back in the game, with the match eventually tied 18-18. The lead changed hands several times, before Fairfield found themselves in the hot seat after a service ace brought them to match point. Fairfield subsequently sealed the game after a spike from the centre by Jia Le (Fairfield #14).

Final score
Fairfield 2 Anderson 1
23-25, 25-15, 25-20

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