Story by Nicole Lum/Red Sports. Photos by Lee Jian Wei/Red Sports
Joy Au (C) of Hwa Chong Institution passes the ball to her teammate. (Photo 1 © Lee Jian Wei/Red Sports)
Temasek Polytechnic Sports Complex, Monday, May 11, 2015 — A 58–46 victory over Saint Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) in their first Round 2 game of the National A Division Girls’ Netball Championship saw Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) improve to a 5–0 win-loss record.
HCI had won all their preliminary round games against Yishun Junior College (96–14), Innova Junior College (111–5), Victoria Junior College (47–40) and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) (49–32).
For SAJC, the loss dropped them to a 3–2 win-loss record. They had beaten Jurong Junior College, Tampines Junior College, and Pioneer Junior College, and their previous loss was to River Valley High School.
The opening quarter was a balanced one as it saw both teams taking turns to add to the score and on many times, equalizing it. While they were fairly equal in effort, HCI maintained a slight edge over SAJC with marginally stronger teamwork, while winning rebounds and intercepts. Thus HCI took a narrow two-point lead 13–11 at the end of the first quarter.
HCI’s lead extended further in the second quarter due to the shooting precision of their Goal Shooter. Her tall frame also gave her the height advantage to easily win rebounds.
SAJC displayed strong passes and quality lobs but their Goal Shooter and Goal Attacker were less accurate, allowing HCI to lead 28–24 at half time.
Entering the second half, SAJC gradually slipped as their deteriorating defence gave HCI more chances to steal the ball. Effortlessly feeding the ball to her Goal Shooter and Goal Attack in the shooting circle was HCI’s Centre. Combining with her Wing Attack, both players made key contributions with their strong attacking moves.
SAJC held on and fought hard in the last quarter. Their Goal Keeper and Goal Defence stepped up but it was however, too late to close the gap. HCI eventually took home the 58–46 victory at the final whistle.
HCI’s team captain, Miao Wen, said, “We took a while to settle in and we slowly built up. Hopefully we’ll be able to do better at the next game.”
“Both teams put up a very strong fight,” stated vice-captain, Rachel, while Miao Wen added that “SAJC is a strong opponent that we cannot take lightly.”
Both teams will move on to play their second match of Round Two on Wednesday, May 13, at Temasek Polytechnic Sports Complex. HCI will face Temasek Junior College at 1.15 pm, while at 2.45 pm, SAJC will play against defending champions Raffles Institution.
Scoring by Quarter
HCI hv SAJC
1Q: 13–11
2Q: 15–13 (28–24)
3Q: 15–13 (43–37)
4Q: 15–9 (58–46)
HCI Roster
Claire Seah, Lim Miao Wen, Gloria Chan, Joy Au, Yang Shuli, Sabrina Chan, Karyn Tshua, Chan Kai Yen, Low Yi Xuan, Koh Kai Qian, Celine Tan, Low Pei Sze Rachel
SAJC Roster
Pattany, Amanda, Kelly, Yan Yi, Jeneen, SaLung, Valerie, Liang Wen, Jia Rui, Sherylyn, Caroline, Catherine, Patfauy
More photos next page
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