West Zone B Div Vball: Defending champs Shuqun suffer semi-final heartbreak against Nanyang Girls’

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports. Photos courtesy Hengky Rahardi Chandra

Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall, Wednesday, February 15, 2012 — West Zone defending champions Shuqun Secondary suffered a heartbreaking loss to Nanyang Girls’ High at the semi-finals of the West Zone B Division Girls’ Volleyball Championship. Despite a good start in the first set, they eventually saw Nanyang Girls’ win 2-1 (24-26, 25-18, 25-23).

Nanyang posted 25 kills in the match, the bulk of them coming in the second and third sets while Shuqun managed 16 kills. The match was also largely won at the service line with a total of 19 service aces. Kavis Koh (Shuqun #11) was herself responsible for five aces for the team while Nanyang also had two players with four aces each.

Shuqun had taken the early lead from the start, but consecutive errors subsequently saw Nanyang close in. A net touch by Shuqun eventually saw the score level 9-9.

Nanyang turned the tables on Shuqun and went ahead to lead 14-11, prompting Shuqun to call a timeout. Shuqun came fighting back after the restart, and the set saw the lead change hands several times before Shuqun grabbed an advantage late into the set.

Shuqun found themselves at set point after a spike from Xiao Wen (#13). However, they were unable to finish off and let slip their lead. Nanyang managed to level the score 24-24, but gave Shuqun the advantage after serving out of bounds. Shuqun grabbed hold of this chance and finished off the set after Gabrielle (Shuqun #1) sent a spike which Nanyang could not organise a return.

The second set was a hotly contested affair. Both teams were neck and neck with Shuqun maintaining a slender lead. Nanyang however managed to take the advantage in the later half of the set as they went ahead to lead 18-15.

Shuqun continued fighting hard and came close to levelling several times. However, they could not turn the tables on Nanyang and had to watch their opponents race off to win the set 25-18.

Shuqun quickly gathered themselves for the third set and managed to exert their dominance.

They blitzed to a 10-4 lead, leaving Nanyang to play catchup. Despite Nanyang managing to close in, Shuqun maintained their lead for the most part and were leading 20-14 at one point.

But in a dramatic twist of fate, Shuqun let slip their six-point lead to see Nanyang level the score 22-22. Nanyang stole the lead, but Shuqun quickly responded to see the score tied 23-23 once again. However, a badly executed drop shot into the net by Shuqun gave Nanyang match point.

Nanyang then sealed the match after firing a serve which was deflected out of bounds by Shuqun.

Final score
Nanyang 2 Shuqun 1
24-26, 25-18, 25-23

Nanyang Girls’ will now play Jurong Secondary at the final on Friday, February 17 at Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall. Shuqun will play Hua Yi Secondary at the 3rd/4th placing match on the same day.