SIM ladies upset NTU 4-3 to reach first ever IVP floorball final

Story contributed by reader Yogendran K of SIM. Pictures by reader Maxe of SIM.

SIM players celebrate after scoring the golden goal in sudden death extra-time. (Photo © Maxe Photography)

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Multi-Purpose Hall, January 14, 2008 – In what was a truly inspired upset, Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) came from behind to beat Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 4-3 in an Institute-Varsity Polytechnic (IVP) Floorball Championship semi-final thriller to reach their first final ever.

Having already chartered new territory by qualifying for their first semi-final in their three-year history, not much was expected of SIM. In the semi-final on Tuesday evening at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, they were up against perennial title challengers NTU, a team boasting several national players in its ranks and a former national coach at the helm. The women from SIM were definitely not going to be pushovers however, as their first line was spearheaded by the forward pairing of twin sisters Priscilla and Stella Chia, and centre Ng Meiwei (affectionately known in the floorball circle as Ducky) – all seasoned club players – who are capable of unlocking any defence.

The vociferous support rendered in the stands added to the atmosphere. While the NTU supporters were decked in red to match their team’s jersey, the SIM men’s team and fans turned up in a sea of black, mirroring the colour of choice of their team. Chant after chant from both teams reverberated around the arena, as the stage was set for an explosive encounter between title favourites and pretenders to the throne. However, if the NTU faithful were expecting a comfortable win against a relatively inexperienced side, the ladies from SIM obviously had not read the script.

Although the match began in understandably tentative fashion, both teams soon exploded into action, and responded to the energetic backing in the stands with some inspired attacking displays. Encouragingly, the SIM team matched the women from NTU pace for pace, battling to win possession at every opportunity and holding their own in attack and defence. While NTU impressed with their passing and possession play, SIM looked the more potent threat in attack, as the dimunitive front trio of Priscilla, Stella and Ducky gave the NTU defence a torrid time with their electric pace and brilliant inter-play. The search for that elusive opening goal kept spectators at the edge of their seats. The scoreline at the end of the first period, however, remained 0-0, indicative of a tight encounter.

The second period began with both teams looking fervently for that crucial first goal. And within seconds of the face-off, NTU broke the deadlock. Some nice inter-play led to the NTU forward shooting into the bottom corner of the net to give her team a 1-0 advantage. With the threats of defeat and elimination looming large, SIM decided to step up the pressure on the NTU defence, with the SIM forwards squandering a few good chances against a firm NTU backline. Those misses did not go unpunished, as NTU scored again, against the run of play, to give themselves some valuable breathing space. With their defence holding firm, title hopefuls NTU saw out the second period, leading 2-0 at the break.

Thrust in the midst of a “now-or-never” situation, SIM’s coach Fathi threw down the gauntlet to his charges, urging them to rise to the occasion in the third and final period. Rise they did, in truly remarkable fashion. Within the first few minutes, neat exchanges between Priscilla and Stella saw the ball being switched left to Ducky, who sent a first-time slap shot from distance into the bottom right corner of the goal to make it 1-2. That sparked a glimmer of hope, and the rejuvenated SIM team went on the offensive, launching wave after wave of attacks, while SIM goalkeeper Michelle played her part splendidly, nullifying any threats to her goal. The constant pressure eventually paid off, as Priscilla collected a free hit pass near the right corner and sent a beautiful shot curling into the opposite corner of goal from an acute angle to make 2-2. The vital equaliser sent the women’s team rushing onto the court for a brief celebration. An upset seemed on the cards.

With adrenaline now coursing through their veins and fear creeping into their opponents’, the women from SIM kept a clear mind and stuck to their game play, which seemed to be working. Even relatively newer players such as Jacintha and Yasi stuck to team tactics fastidiously and made simple and intelligent plays whenever they got the ball, almost like seasoned professionals. The unsung and determined performances of all these players provided the platform on which the more experienced SIM floorballers could attack without worry. This synergy of efforts led to Priscilla scoring SIM’s third goal after some neat build-up, giving SIM the lead for the first time in the match at 3-2 and sending the supporters wild. With a major victory moments away, SIM decided to play it safe while the women from NTU pushed forward in search of the equaliser that would send the match into sudden death extra-time. And with a minute to go, an NTU defender’s pass found its way to an unmarked forward who bundled the ball in from close range to make it 3-3. The supporters, already exhausted from a see-saw encounter, were to experience the first extra-time period in this year’s IVP competition, where the first team to score would be declared the winner.

Fully aware that the match would go to a penalty shootout after 5 minutes of extra-time, the SIM team made the bold move of attacking from the start rather than sitting back and risking the lottery and potential heartbreak of a penalty shootout. And their courageous decision was to prove pivotal within the first minute. After another swift exchange of passes, Priscilla collected the ball near the middle of the court and sent a low shot hurtling towards the NTU goal. The ball eluded a sea of legs and beyond the hapless NTU goalkeeper to nestle inside the goal. The NTU goalkeeper took her helmet off and started walking off-court dejected. A few players from the NTU team slumped to the ground. The stadium fell into a hushed silence. Some of the supporters and newer players from both teams were confused.

It was only seconds later that the understanding of sudden death extra-time set in. The remaining 4 minutes of extra-time were irrelevant. There was not going to be another restart. SIM had, against considerable odds, won 4-3 against NTU to reach the women’s final. Through the floorballing brilliance of some players, the sheer dedication and hard work of others, the guidance and tactical genius of their coach and the incredible team spirit, intelligence and effort of all, these women had taken their places in the annals of SIM floorball history.

As the celebrations continued on and off court, among the supporters, and into the night, the women from SIM remain ever focused and look ahead to their duties on Friday in the finals against National University of Singapore (NUS), with the promise of greater things to come. Yes, again, they might be the underdogs. Yes, again, NUS might boast several national team players.

Then again, if the semi-final result against NTU is anything to go by, that is exactly how they like it.

Details of Finals:

Womens Final at 6:30 p.m.: National University of Singapore vs Singapore Institute of Management
Mens Final at 8 p.m.: Republic Polytechnic vs Nanyang Polytechnic

NTU (in red) and SIM line up in front of each other after the game in the floorball tradition of thanking your opponent. (Photo © Maxe Photography)

SIM players celebrate after scoring the equaliser to make it 3-3. (Photo © Maxe Photography)