B Div Vball: Shuqun deny Punggol spot in semi-finals after 2-0 win

Presbyterian High, Wednesday, March 21, 2012 — Shuqun Secondary qualified for the semi-finals at the expense of Punggol Secondary after beating the latter 2-0 (25-17, 25-21) in their Round Two, Group X match at the National B Division Boys’ Volleyball Championship.

Shuqun and Punggol were grouped together in a tough draw with defending champions St Hilda’s Secondary and Fairfield Methodist. Punggol had suffered a 0-2 loss to St Hilda’s earlier on and needed a win to stand a chance at qualifying. However, it was not to be for the 2011 runner up as they were outdone by Shuqun.

Shuqun scored a total of 40 points in the match from 37 kills, one block and two service aces. Punggol on the other hand managed 26 points from 20 kills and six blocks. Haziq (Shuqun #10) emerged as the top scorer with a total of 15 points scored from 15 kills. Punggol were certainly off form as Melson (Punggol #7) and Augustine (#8), who would traditionally be amongst the top scorers of the match managed only six points each.

Shuqun grabbed the lead right at the start as Punggol tried all means to keep up. They managed to keep the score close and at times almost had the chance to draw level. However, Shuqun held on to the lead as they scored points through good tactical play.

Shuqun managed to trick the Punggol blockers in several occasions, allowing Alvin (Shuqun #3) to spike unblocked. He made use of these chances as he thundered the ball into Punggol’s court to score a total of four kills in the set.

Punggol called a timeout at the 17-14 mark but it could not stop Shuqun’s advances. Shuqun were soon leading 24-17 after a ‘double’ by Punggol setter Ping Yee (#9).

Litek (Shuqun #8) then took the last point with a well placed drop shot which Punggol could not get to.

The second set saw a better performance by Punggol. They shook off their bad form in the first set and appeared to have settled in as they pulled ahead to lead 8-5.

Shuqun tried hard to stay in the game and finally leveled the score 10-10. The lead changed hands several times with Shuqun eventually leading 17-16.

Shuqun worked on their advantage and pulled further ahead to lead 20-16, prompting a timeout from Punggol. Punggol continued their chase but could not stop Shuqun from taking match point after Haziq (Shuqun #10) pressed the ball down from the opposite corner.

Punggol were able to hold off Shuqun momentarily as they forced a touch out from Shuqun in the next rally.

However, Renz (Shuqun #1) sealed the match for the team after a strong spike down the Punggol block.

Shuqun will now play St Hilda’s in a top of the table clash on Friday to determine who finishes on top of Group X.

Final Score
Shuqun 2 Punggol 0
25-17, 25-21

National B Division Boys’ Volleyball Championship
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Shuqun vs Punggol - Match Statistics

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