TNT Singapore sweep aside Johor Bahru in volleyball invitational

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Sunday, May 30, 2010 — TNT Singapore (TNT) swept aside the Volleyball Association of Johor Bahru (VAJB) team to top Group C in the preliminaries of the Volleyball Association of Singapore’s Volleyball Invitational Championships. TNT, made up of ex-Singapore national players, won 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-13) to qualify for the semi-finals alongside the Thailand Youth team. VAJB finish third after losing both their matches played.

VAJB took the first point of the match when Goh Ser Mui’s (VAJB #4) spike from the outside saw TNT’s libero Goh Pei Feng (#4) deflecting it out. Neo Shu Mei (TNT #5) quickly responded with a quick ball to level the score, before taking another point when she stuffed out a loose ball sent to her hands. TNT started well, leading 8-3 by the first technical time out. TNT put up several good attacks, leaving VAJB unable to respond. Soon, TNT extended their lead to 16-7 by the second technical time out.

Continuing pressure with their serves, TNT were soon in the driving seat to take the set. They took themselves to set point after a serve by Rachel Ong (TNT #15) in which VAJB was unable to return. TNT then took the set after Chong Lee Fang’s (VAJB #11) spike from the outside went out of bounds.

It was a closer start in the second set as VAJB held TNT at bay. By the first technical time out, TNT held a three point advantage over VAJB. TNT overcame their shaky start, and piled on the pressure. Dishing out several quick balls was Neo Shu Mei (TNT #5), who saw VAJB unable to respond. By the second technical time out, TNT were leading 16-9.

Two time outs called by VAJB at the 20-12 and 23-13 mark proved futile as TNT quickly took set point after a quick ball by Shu Mei (TNT #5). VAJB prevented TNT from taking the set after Regine Tan (VAJB #6) spiked into an empty spot in TNT’s court. However, VAJB could do no further as Hong Shi Chii’s (VAJB #9) spike from the opposite corner was stuffed out by TNT.

The third set was a replay of the first two. Despite a fairly close start, TNT quickly established themselves as the stronger team, blitzing to a 16-10 lead by the second technical time out. VAJB made several changes to the roster, and TNT took this to their advantage, taking match point after a serve by Zoe Seet (TNT #6) which saw VAJB unable to return. TNT then sealed the match after Tan Shiang Theng (TNT #8) stuffed out a loose ball from VAJB.

Final Score
TNT Singapore 3 VAJB 0
25-11, 25-16, 25-13

TNT Singapore
Suthasini d/o Mogun (#3), Goh Pei Feng (Libero, #4), Neo Shu Mei (#5), Seet Ching Yah Zoe (#6), Lin Wei Rong (#7), Tan Shiang Theng (#8), Jeanne Gwee Xiaoqi (#9), Teo Li Yin (#10), Liew Su Min (#13), Ong Wei Chen (captain, #14), Ong Hwee Ping Rachel (#15)

Volleyball Association of Johor Bahru
Ha Poh Seen (#1), Lim Hui Min (#2), Poh Hui Xin (#3), Goh Ser Mui (#4), Kee Chia Wen (#5), Regine Tan Swee Kim (Captain, #6), Chan Chee Yin (#7), Ng Pei Ling (#8), Hong Shi Chii (#9), Cheong Jia Wei (#10), Chong Lee Fang (#11), Lim Hwee Wen (Libero, #12), Lim Woan Yi (#16), Boo Cai Shi (#17), Mindy Saw (#18)

Invitational Fixtures (Women’s)
Day 4 Monday (31/5) NB: Timing is subjected to change
Match 7 12:30 – 15:00 Women’s Semi-Final 1
C 1st vs. D 2nd

Match 8 20:30 – 23:00 Women’s Semi-Final 2
D 1st vs. C 2nd

Day 5 Tuesday (1/6)
Match 9 12:30 – 15:00 Women’s 5th & 6th C 3rd vs. D 3rd

Match 10 15:30 – 18:00 Women’s Bronze
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2

Day 6 Wednesday (2/6)
Match 11 09:00 – 11:30 Women’s Final
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2

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