Jurong beat Unity in opening match

Pictures and Story by Lai Jun Wei. © Red Sports

JSS #10, Junice spikes from the outside. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall, Wednesday, January 16, 2008 – In both teams’ first match of the season, Jurong Secondary (JSS) overcame opponents Unity Secondary 2-0 in a West Zone ‘B’ Division Volleyball game earlier on.

Jurong Secondary, a traditional West Zone powerhouse, were not expected to have much difficulty overcoming Unity. Probably due to first-game jitters, the fighting spirit which JSS showed in the U-16 Volleyball Championships seemed a bit lacking. Yet, JSS never did let their guard down against Unity.

Strong and constant attacks by the JSS players helped keep their momentum going. Often choosing to play safe by sending over safe spikes, they cut down on their mistakes and lasted through the rallies. Unity also showed good play as they went all out to retrieve the JSS spikes. Their perseverance did them well as they won a few rallies. However, JSS was still too strong as fierce attacks from the outside and centre spikers left the Unity players sending over free balls. JSS capitalised on these opportunities and finished the set 25-13.

The second set saw Unity climb back up as JSS fumbled a little. However, they were quickly back on track after time-outs by their coach allowed them to find their footing. JSS extended the gap and eventually won the second set 25-13.

Jurong now have Shuqun and Nanyang Girls’ in their group to contend with while the other schools in their group, Bukit View and River Valley High, are not seen as potential threats. Nevertheless, good luck to all schools!

Final score: 2-0 (25-13, 25-13)

Clarissa (Unity #2) spikes while JSS #9, Qihui, tries to block. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

Felicia (Unity #11) receives a hard spike. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

JSS #6, Jacqueline clashes with teammate Jiahui, #4 while receiving a ball. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

Unity’s setter does an underhand set. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

A Unity player retrieves a hard-hit JSS spike. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

JSS setter #1, Krystal, sets the ball. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

JSS #9, Qihui, spikes into the Unity block. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

Looking into the JSS time-out. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

More pictures in the gallery.

Editor's note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates, or if we've got the names wrong, let us know and we'll update the captions. Thanks.