Chung Cheng High (Yishun) see off Bukit Panjang Govt High in C Division girls volleyball quarter-finals

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Presbyterian High School, Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - Chung Cheng High (Yishun) denied Bukit Panjang Government High a spot in the semi-finals after overcoming their opponents 2-0 (25-21, 25-16) in the quarter-finals of the National C Division Girls Volleyball Championship.

Bukit Panjang had needed to beat Chung Cheng 2-0 in order to qualify, whereas Chung Cheng needed to post a win to secure their spot in the semi-finals, particularly if Anderson Secondary beat Cedar Girls in their later match. However, Chung Cheng prevailed in the end, breaking the hearts of Bukit Panjang.

The first set began with a long rally. However, miscommunication in the Chung Cheng court saw Bukit Panjang take the first point. Debbie (Bukit Panjang #2) fired off a powerful serve to see Chung Cheng deflect the ball out. Debbie (Bukit Panjang #2) produced two more good serves to give Bukit Panjang a 4-0 lead. However, she served into the net for Chung Cheng to start their scoring.

Agnes (Bukit Panjang #15) was not going to let Chung Cheng steal their lead, and worked hard to increase it. She saw her spike clip the net, before falling into an empty spot at the next rally for Bukit Panjang to take one more point.

However, it was not to be as Chung Cheng soon caught up to level the score at 6-6. The match was a tight one, and the scores remained close. Bukit Panjang had to call for a time out at the 11-9 mark, as they started to trail Chung Cheng.

But it was to no avail as Chung Cheng held onto their lead, and reached 22-16 before Bukit Panjang called for another time out. Chung Cheng saw themselves reach closer to set point after a spike from Yan Bin (Chung Cheng, #12). However, Bukit Panjang managed to close the gap, and take four consecutive points to see the score stand at 23-20.

Bukit Panjang saw their catch up come to and end after Xinyi (Bukit Panjang #6) saw her spike from the backcourt find the net. However, Debbie (Bukit Panjang #2) held on, and spiked a cross court shot to narrow the score gap. But all their efforts went to nothing as Bukit Panjang served into the net for Chung Cheng to take the set, and chances of qualifying for the semi-finals away from Bukit Panjang.

Knowing that they have already failed to qualify, Bukit Panjang held back tears to finish out the game. Notably more relaxed in the second set, they gave Chung Cheng a run for their money as the game remained a close one. With the scores tied at 13-13, the Bukit Panjang coach made a few changes to the roster, giving the substitutes a chance to play in their last match of the season.

Chung Cheng stepped up the pressure and were soon at match point after Helena (Bukit Panjang #11) could not receive a ball from Vanessa (Chung Cheng #3). Pei Ru (Chung Cheng #4) then fired off an ace to seal the match.

Chung Cheng High finish second in Group Y behind defending champions Cedar Girls'.

Cedar Girls will play Group X runner up Dunman Secondary in the semi-finals on Thursday, April 1, 9am at Presbyterian High.

Chung Cheng will then play Group X champions Nanyang Girls at 10.30am after that.

Final Score
Nanyang 2 Dunman 0
(25-21, 25-16)

More photos in the gallery.

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

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