Punggol Secondary see off Zhonghua Secondary in Round 2 of U-16 volleyball

Story and photos by REDintern Koh Yizhe.

Hougang Sports Hall, Sunday, November 9, 2008 – Punggol Secondary (PSS) easily overcame an unprepared Zhonghua Secondary (ZHS) 2-0 (25-9, 25-11) in a Round 2, Group Y match at the 2008 National U-16 Boys Junior Volleyball Championship.

ZHS didn't have time to warm up as they arrived late, minutes away from a walk-over. The result was an unsettled ZHS side who found it hard to get into their rhythm during the initial stages. PSS, in contrast, was raring to go and easily took advantage of the mistakes committed by ZHS to take the first set 25-9. Although ZHS were able to put up a resistance in the second set, it was too little too late.

Despite having the first serve, it was immediately wasted by ZHS as it flashed wide, clearly showing the lack of practice. On the other hand, PSS was welling prepared with a spike from middle hitter #3, giving them a 2-0 lead.

A simple touch of the net from ZHS #11 gave PSS another point to bring it 3-0 lead. It took a perfect block from ZHS #1 to give his team the first point.

However, ZHS' luck did not change as they were plagued by bad service. For many occasions in the set, ZHS were unable to cope with PSS’ top class serve, namely from their #9. Despite not playing at their best, PSS extended their lead rapidly thanks to the mistakes by their opponents, just like when ZHS #15 and ZHS #2 collided due to a lack of communication.

PSS gained massive 20-8 lead.

Once again, it was mistakes from ZHS that wrapped up the set. First, a net touch by ZHS #10 handed PSS the set point at 24-9, A mix up in the ZHS rotation saw PSS being handed the set.

A new ZHS team seemed to come out after the restart. Although losing the first point through a beautiful tip by PSS #6, ZHS replied with a killer serve by their #2 which proved impossible to retrieve. ZHS took the lead for the first time in the game when ZHS #1 sending an unstoppable spike down the middle giving his team a 3-4 lead.

Both sides began to trade the lead with ZHS putting up strong resistance, showing unwillingness to go down without a fight. However, it wasn't long before PSS began pull away. Mistakes crept back into ZHS game and PSS didn't help by turning up their game with a series of wonderful spikes and serves. They eventually built up a 12 point lead at 22-10.

A spike straight at PSS #12 from ZHS #1 made the score 22-11, but he followed this with a horrendous serve which hit the net. A poor receive of the resulting serve gave PSS the match point.

Proving that it wasn't only mistakes that gave them the win, PSS #11 finished off with a lovely ace, ending the match 25-11.

Final score: 2-0 (25-9, 25-11)

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