Written By: Evangeline Boo Edited By: Valerie Chua & Jolene Wong Photographs By: Eusoffworks
It felt like the boys just embarked on their IHG journey but we are already drawing close to the end of it…….time sure flies! We are back from the short CNY break and our boys were surely recharged as they took on Sheares Hall (SH) this evening for the semi-final match. For those who’ve missed out, our boys had already won the battles against both Raffles and KE inching closer towards the finals. We witnessed 2 spectacular victories but our boys were still hungry for more! The semis were extremely crucial as it would determine the finalists and ultimately help Eusoff catch up with TH as overall champions.
The first set began with SH serving an out ball which gave Eusoff an easy first point. Sheares was determined to take it back with a hard spike that Eusoff failed to save bringing them to a tie at 2-2. It was still too early into the game to determine who had the upper hand as both halls were equally pumped. Eusoff worked harder on their defence as Captain Peijie and Zhe Wei shielded a ball as though they were a mighty impenetrable brick wall. Not only was Captain Pei Jie brilliant at defence he surprised everyone with a super believable fake set but instead, sent the ball smashing down onto SH’s ground, extending Eusoff further in the lead at 5-3. Also this reporter would like to just take a moment to mention how not only is Pei Jie an outstanding player on court, he manages to also coach and guide his team throughout the match despite all the pressure while playing on court, he is indeed an exemplary coach-captain!
Captain Pei Jie (right) and freshie Zhe Wei (left) forming the great wall of Eusoff.
It might have been the game jitters but Sheares spiked several balls directly into the net, giving Eusoff an edge at 7-3. Lok Heng tried to score a point with a strong spike to the opposite court but it was out by a small margin. We saw LYLC Wen Xiang dive onto the ground with a thump as he hit the ground attempting to save a ball to no avail but he still managed to get up with a smile! Eusoff hit several out balls allowing Sheares to catch up at 19-14 to Eusoff but FRET NOT because we had Massive Mark serve up a beautiful spike, giving Eusoff the first set at 25-22.
LYLC Wen Xiang (#4) never disappoint us with his saves and spikes!!!
The second set started on a good note with Lok Heng serving up a solid smash to the opposite end of the court. The cute duo, Zhao Xiang and Mark displayed a successful double block and helped Eusoff gain a point at 3-1. Massive Mark again showed his prowess as a spiker as he hits the ball strategically into an empty space at the center of the court that caught Sheares off guard. Freshie Zhao Xiang was on a roll this set as he brilliantly scores several points for Eusoff. The audience witnessed a nail-biting rally between the halls as Sheares barely managed a single handed save which Eusoff managed to continue with a dig, and ultimately scoring a point at 8-15 to Eusoff. This set also saw a fresh face, Bobby as he made his IHG debut. Albeit looking slightly nervous, he managed to whip up some solid serves. This was followed by another spike by Mark following a good set by Pei Jie, bringing Eusoff far in the lead at 21-12. Eusoff bags the second set yet again at 14-25!
Volleyball sensation Lok Heng (#81) soaring up for a spike!
The team’s enthusiasm did not die down in the third set as they were as energetic as ever! Wen Xiang single-handedly blocked an attack by a fellow Sheares giant and scored straight into their court!! Sheares was not ready for another of Mark’s monstrous spikes even as 2 players dove for it but failed to save the ball. The third set was in favour of Eusoff as Sheares hit multiple out balls giving Eusoff an edge. When it was down to the last few crucial points of the set, we saw a sub of the LYLCs as Seetow came on for Wen Xiang. After an unlucky miss serve, Seetow was determined to get it back for Eusoff. Just at match point, Seetow geared up for a solid spike but tricked his opponents as he tipped the ball just slightly over the hands of the Sheares blockers. This caught Sheares off guard as they ended up making a foul by touching the net, giving Eusoff the point. The referee blew the final whistle and the crowded erupted into cheers as Eusoff wins the final set at 25-12!
Aaaaand we are off to the finals! We are insanely proud of our volleyball boys!! See you guys this Saturday for the final match against Temasek Hall!
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