Defending champions Meridian JC overcome National JC to enter semi-finals of A Division Girls floorball

By REDintern Chin Chi Hua.

Choa Chu Kang Indoor Sports Hall, Friday, May 8, 2009 – Defending champions Meridian Junior College overcame National Junior College 4-3 in a tough encounter to enter the semi-finals of the A Division Girls Floorball Championship.

The first period saw goals from both sides, with the score level by the break. NJC captain, Karen Yee (NJC #32) and Matilda Leong (NJC #3) displayed superb teamwork to work their way through the MJC defenders. But it was a great pity that their shots were too high and went over the goalpost.

The turning point of the first period came when Yuslyana (MJC #18) passed to Ong Lee Peng (MJC #81), who despite NJC defenders in the way, gave a drag shot through the right corner and into the goal.

But just a mere 40 seconds later, Abigail Tan (NJC #36) scored amongst the confusion as the MJC defenders were caught up in an array of slashing with their opponents. The first period ended in a 1-1 draw.

But the draw did not last for long, as it was MJC who took the lead just three seconds into the second period. Lee Peng (MJC #81) capitalised on the quick tempo and passed accurately to Norshila (MJC #11), who fired the shot into goal without hesitation. It sure caught the NJC keeper off guard as she barely settled in.

Much to everyone’s disappointment, Karen (NJC #32) had two attempts at scoring but both shots went too high and over the goalpost. With 10 minutes remaining, Ng Li Ying (NJC #28) gave a simple but effective wrist shot into goal. The goal was rather controversial as it bounced off after getting in. However, the referee awarded it to NJC after all and cheers rang throughout the hall.

Li Ying scored once again after five minutes, as she dribbled the ball past MJC defenders, aiming at the goalpost from the right corner. The MJC goalkeeper Nida Khan (#19) did not manage to catch the ball as it slipped into the goal.

A small accident occurred as a mini tussle resulted in Karen (NJC #32) having to sit out of the second period after she tripped and fell on her back. It appeared that she hurt her ankle in the process and concerned team-mates were seen rushing to get treatment for her.

Yuslyana (MJC #18) also had a great attempt at scoring, shooting in from the bottom left corner. What looked like a brilliant shot was diminished by the rigid goalpost, which many just wishing that it was slightly bigger.

The third period seemed to be extremely crucial to both teams, as both teams needed to win the game in order to proceed on to secure their top four position.

Lee Peng (MJC #81) displayed her fast and accurate shooting once more, scoring just one and a half minutes into the third period to level the score at 3-3. The NJC goalkeeper was clearly disappointed with herself as she let history repeat once more.

Soon after, Lee Peng (MJC #81) continued her scoring streak and despite having NJC defenders in her way, fired in a powerful shot straight into the goal to take the lead for MJC.

A heart stopping moment came up when Karen (NJC #32) came back on court after a short rest and took a shot. Nida failed to catch the ball and that could just be the goal to destroy MJC’s top four dreams.

The momentary silence in the hall was so deafening but the ball rolled past the goalpost nevertheless. It was a heave of relief for MJC but sunken hopes for NJC.

As the game ended, MJC continued on with their quest in retaining their championship title whereas NJC have to end their season with this 3-4 heartbreaking loss.