Story by Jasmine Goh/Red Sports. Photos by Clara Yuan/Red Sports
Players fight for possession of the ball. (Photo 1 © Clara Yuan/Red Sports)
Jurong West Sports Hall, Monday, February 16, 2014 — Hillgrove Secondary (HG) defeated Pioneer Secondary (PSS) 36–17 in the preliminary round of the West Zone B Division Netball Championship.
With this win, Hillgrove conclude their season with a 3–3 win-loss record. Hillgrove previously defeated Dunearn and Hong Kah 36–17 and 35–14 respectively. Both Hillgrove and Pioneer failed to qualify for the second round.
Both teams were neck-and-neck, maintaining their centre pass possession and scoring alternate goals in the first few minutes of the quarter. However, the Hillgrove players held on to their momentum and took the early advantage with good ball movement around the court to grab the 7–5 lead going into the first timeout.
The second quarter saw Hillgrove open the scoring yet again. Hillgrove went on to score three unanswered points before Pioneer’s GA, Xin Yin, responded with a goal of her own. Hillgrove quickly recovered, putting an end to Pioneer’s offensive momentum by blocking off their passes to the attacking third. This proved effective as Hillgrove managed to capitalize on a 4–0 run towards the end of the quarter to lead 17–8 by half time.
Pioneer could not seem to find an answer to Hillgrove’s dynamic attacking duo in the form of Ann Lin (Centre) and Ain (Goal Shooter) who displayed great chemistry with their swift attacking plays. However, the Pioneer defenders continued to put up a strong fight in an attempt to upset Hillgrove’s flow and composure.
Pioneer were first to get onto the scoresheet just mere seconds after the whistle signalled the start of the final quarter. Pioneer’s GS, Alyssa, opened the scoring for her team and her good shooting ensured a closer contest in the final quarter. Pioneer made a valiant attempt to reduce the deficit in the final few minutes of the match but Hillgrove held their ground to seal the game 36–17 winners.
Pioneer’s captain, Azlin, said, “Regardless of the score, we have fought hard and improved as a team together this season. I hope that my juniors will continue to work hard and bring glory to Pioneer netball! I also hope that they will continue to do our coach and teachers proud.”
Scores by Quarter
Hillgrove vs Pioneer
1Q: 7–5
2Q: 10–3 (17–8)
3Q: 12–3 (29–11)
4Q: 7–6
Final Score: 36–17
Hillgrove Roster
Ain, Ann Lin, Valencia, Si Ting, Fazlina, Olivia, Diyana, Alexandra, Madeline, Hwee Fong, Ruziana, Arica
Pioneer Roster
Alyssa, Xin Yin, Felicia, Lisney, Diyana, Nisa, Samirah, Rachel, Janahya, Azlin, Yi Ning, Sammi
2015 West Zone B Division Netball Championship – fixtures and results
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