Nanyang Girls’ High through to West Zone B Division Volleyball final after beating Shuqun 2-0

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Hua Yi Secondary, Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - Nanyang Girls' High are through to the final of the B Division Girls West Zone Volleyball Championship after beating Shuqun Secondary 2-0 (25-21, 25-23). Shuqun staged a comeback attempt in both sets in what would have been an upset if they had won, but they were held off by Nanyang.

Nanyang had earlier beaten Jurong Secondary 2-0 to top their group, whereas Shuqun lost to Bukit Panjang Government High by the same score to finish second.

Nanyang started the first set strongly. Despite Chuning (Nanyang, #5) serving the first shot out of bounds, centre spiker Eleanor (Nanyang, #1) chalked up several points early. It was until Sara (Nanyang, #7) served into the net at the 8-1 mark did service switch over to Shuqun.

Shuqun were not going to be put down so easily and started their long chase up the points ladder. Point after point, Shuqun got closer and closer to Nanyang. Shuqun saw themselves just one point away from their opponents at the 11-10 mark when Cally (#15) successfully blocked a spike from Chuning (Nanyang, #5). Cally (Shuqun, #15) unfortunately could not tie the game as her attempt at a drop shot on the next rally found its way into the net, allowing Nanyang to pull ahead.

Several times, Shuqun came close to leveling the scores, but Nanyang would manage to pull ahead. Otherwise, Shuqun would unfortunately falter, to leave them trailing.

However, with their continuous pressure and unrelenting fighting spirit, they finally levelled the scores at 19-19 when Fernanda (Shuqun, #1) sent a spike straight into Eleanor (Nanyang, #1) and the ball deflected out of bounds.

Shuqun unfortunately sent the ball into the wire of the net for an ´out of bounds' call, and Nanyang went one up again. However, they quickly pulled back on level terms when a return straight from the Nanyang serve caught the server off-guard.

Nanyang were not going to let Shuqun steal the set, and they pushed hard to close the set. Eleanor extended her dominance in the front row, and quickly brought the set to 23-21, forcing the Shuqun coach to call for a time out.

Upon resumption of play, Amanda (Shuqun, #11) spiked the ball out of bounds. Nanyang quickly took advantage, with Eleanor (#1) spiking into an empty spot for the team to take the set 25-21.

Nanyang extended their dominance early in the second set as well. With a 12-4 lead, they seemed to be on track for a quick finish. However, Shuqun started picking up points with good placings.

Nanyang, on the other hand had no reply to the Shuqun surge, and struggled to put points on the scoreboard. After seeing Shuqun catch up to the 18-16 mark, Nanyang called for a time out in an attempt to break Shuqun's scoring streak. However, Eleanor's (Nanyang, #1) backrow spike found the net, for Shuqun to pull to within one point.

Shuqun finally leveled at 18-18 with Nanyang when Celene's (Nanyang, #2) spike from the outside went out of bounds. However, Fernanda's (Shuqun, #1) drop ball in the next rally went into the net. Nanyang also replied with a spike from the outside, prompting a time out from Shuqun.

Subsequent spikes from Yiyuan (Nanyang, #3) and Chuning (Nanyang, #5) quickly saw the score at 23-18. Nanyang looked to be close to getting their game point, but Chuning (#5) spiked out of bounds to prolong the game just a little longer. With Eleanor (Nanyang, #1) caught in the backrow, it was up to Celene (#2) and Chuning (#5) to control the net action.

Shuqun stepped on the pedal, and caught Nanyang off guard several times. After a series of tight rallies, the score was tied at 23-23. Chuning (Nanyang, #5) stepped up to the game and executed a well-placed drop shot to bring the team to match point.

Vanessa (Nanyang, #4) was next to serve. With her using an under-arm serve, Nanyang were gearing up for a tough attack from Shuqun. As the ball sailed into the air and towards the Shuqun backline, Amanda (Shuqun, #11) seemed to be unsure, and contacted the ball with one hand, deflecting it out of bounds. It took her a moment to realize the situation, and she had to watch the game awarded to Nanyang with tears in her eyes.

Nanyang will take on Jurong Secondary in the West Zone final on Friday, February 19, at 1pm. Shuqun will play Bukit Panjang Government High on Friday, February 12 in the 3/4th placing match at 3.15pm. Both matches will be held at Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall.

Nanyang Girls’ High 2 Shuqun 0
(25-21, 25-23)

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or any of your team mates in the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind and we will update accordingly. Thanks!