By REDintern Romaine Soh
The NTU WA toeing the boundary line as the RP WD guards her closely. (Photo 1 © Joseph Lee/Red Sports)
Singapore Polytechnic Wednesday, January 23, 2013 — The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) eased to a 65-38 victory over Republic Polytechnic (RP) to qualify for the semi-finals as group winners in the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Netball Championship.
The win meant NTU finished the preliminary round with four wins out of four.
The Singapore Management University (SMU) qualified for the semi-finals in second place. While RP and SMU finished identical 2-1-1, win-draw-loss records, the latter qualified because of a better goal difference.
Said NTU captain, Ci Hui: “We still have a lot of work to do if we want to get into the finals, such as our offence. RP was viewed as a strong contender since they drew with Singapore Management University (SMU) in their previous game. Thus we had to make sure we won today’s game in order to not play against the stronger opponent (NUS) in the semis!”
“I’m really proud of how our defence worked out in this game. we will have to continue to work hard to make sure we put up a good fight in the finals!” Ci Hui added.
NTU are lined up to play against Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) in the semi-finals on Monday, January 28th.
SIM will prove a challenge for NTU with three national players in their squad.
“We will definitely try our best!” affirmed Ci Hui.
In the other Group B game played at the same time, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) beat the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) 53-19 for their first win. Neither team were in contention for a semi-final place.
Said Chan Hui Mui of NYP: “As for this game (against SIT), we played much better compared to our previous games. We were mentally prepared, and we had a good strategy.
“We had lost to the Singapore Management University (SMU) by 38 points in our last game, which I admit wasn’t one of our best games.
“Thus, we were determined to make it through so we could give SMU a run for their money in the semi-finals! I guess the other teams were too strong,” added Hui Mui.
However, NYP vice-captain Yvonne Goh said: “There’s always next time!”
When asked for their take on who they thought would make it into the finals, NYP captain Cheryl Ng said: “Most probably the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), especially since NUS is almost of national standard with a few national players, and NTU has good team chemistry.
“However, SMU and the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) might be able to spring a surprise! SIM has been showing a steady improvement in their games, and they currently have three national players on their team!”
The NYP players now have exams on their minds before thinking about netball again.
Said Hui Mui: “For now, we’re (NYP) going to take a break, hunker down for the upcoming examinations, and hopefully make a comeback at POL-ITE!”
Scores by Quarter
NTU v RP
1st Q: 15-10
2nd Q: 13-8 (28-18)
3rd Q: 21-12 (49-30)
4th Q: 16-8 (65-38)
NTU Roster
Tan Shu Hwee, Liu Xin Yi, Chin Le Estee, Tan Anni, Yeo Jie Min, Cherie Choo Xiu Min, Xie Huiqi Brenda, Tan Ci Hui, Chia Jingyi Shannon, Sarah Soo Jing Wen, Lee Xin Ni Celeste, Ng Si Ying, Cheong Long Xin, Tan Yen Hui
RP Roster
Claudia Emilia D’Silva, Nur Athirah Bte Zulkiffle, Nur Warda Bte Ismail, Kimberly Lim Wei Yan, Siti Nurshawallah Bte Rashid, Iznie Nadira Bte Roslee, Nur Syahidah Bte Jamaluddin, Brenda Poh Jing Ting, Amanda Lai Jia Qi, Tracy Tan Si En, Trina Tan Si Hui, Nur Marissa Syaqila Bte Samsaidi, Nurtasha Zuraidah
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