North Zone B Div Volleyball: Chung Cheng High (Yishun) beat Xinmin; Anderson hold off Evergreen

Presbyterian High, Thursday, February 2, 2011 — Chung Cheng High (Yishun) put themselves in an advantageous position to qualify for the semi-finals of after beating Xinmin Secondary 2-0 (26-24, 25-21) in a Round 2, Group Y match at the North Zone B Division Girls’ Volleyball Championship. This comes as a much welcomed win for Chung Cheng High (Yishun) after both teams had been drawn into a tough group with defending champions Presbyterian High.

In an earlier group X match, Anderson Secondary had to hold off a stubborn Evergreen Secondary to eventually win 2-0 (25-20, 25-13).

Xinmin Secondary posted a total of 22 kills, six blocks and five service aces while Chung Cheng High (Yishun) managed 15 kills, two blocks and six service aces. However, Xinmin were let down by a huge number of errors, losing a combined total of 32 points. Chung Cheng’s errors were relatively lower, with a combined total of 21 errors. Their consistent play gave them a much needed advantage for the eventual win.

From the start, it was Xinmin who had the lead only for Chung Cheng to level the score at 8-8 and turn the tables on Xinmin. Despite managing to close in on Chung Cheng and level the scores at both the 12-point, 15-point and 20-point mark, Xinmin were still unable to get a clear advantage and were still neck and neck with Chung Cheng.

With the scores tied at 23-23, a Xinmin defensive error gave Chung Cheng set point, only for their subsequent service to be sent out of bounds. Chung Cheng however took back the point after Teng Yan Ning (Chung Cheng #1) successfully blocked a spike by Tang Kim Choo (Xinmin #7). Xinmin unfortunately could not force another deuce as they subsequently deflected Ng Pei Ru’s (Chung Cheng #4) serve out of bounds to give their opponents the set.

Errors continued to plague Xinmin in the second half as they saw Chung Cheng run away with the lead. With the score at 12-5, it seemed like a lost cause for Xinmin but the fire within them reignited for them to embark on a valiant chase against the leaders.

Xinmin managed to come within one point of Chung Cheng at 15-16 mark after a spike from Kim Choo, but they were prevented from drawing level after a powerful pike by Yan Ning (Chung Cheng #1). Chung Cheng then extended their lead after Xinmin’s setter Regina (#5) committed a ‘double’, forcing a time out from Xinmin.

Upon the restart, Xinmin continued chasing and came close to drawing level, only for mistakes to let them down. With the score at 21-20, Chung Cheng gave it one last go and surged forward to leave Xinmin behind. Working on their momentum, Chung Cheng quickly sealed the set 25-21 to win the match.

Chung Cheng next face Presbyterian High on Monday, February 6 while Xinmin will play Presbyterian High on Thursday, February 9. Xinmin will need to win their match against Presbyterian High decisively, and hope that Chung Cheng loses to Presbyterian High by a similar margin to stand a chance at qualifying for the semi-finals.

Final score
Chung Cheng High (Yishun) 2 Xinmin 0
26-24, 25-21

In the earlier Group X game between Anderson and Evergreen Secondary, a spirited Evergreen ensured that it was no walk in the park for the 2011 runners-up. The start of the first set was a close one with Evergreen taking the lead at 10-9. They held on to their lead as Anderson had trouble settling into the game.

With Evergreen leading 15-11, Anderson slowly managed a comeback and tied the score 17-17. They then turned the tables on Evergreen and took the set 25-20.

In the second set, Anderson had initially taken a large lead, but saw it diminish after mistakes in their play. It was a close start, but Anderson eventually pulled away and raced off to win the set 25-13.

Evergreen will next play Sembawang Secondary on February 6 while Anderson will play on February 9. A win by both teams will consequently ensure their progress into the semi-finals.

Final score
Anderson 2 Evergreen 0
25-20, 25-13

Chung Cheng High (Yishun) vs Xinmin - Match Statistics

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