Written by: Amanda Ong
Edited by: Jared Rajiv
Photos by: EusoffWorks
Following triumphant wins from the Preliminaries, Eusoff’s Male Volleyball Team was up against the Men in Blue - Kent Ridge Hall, for the Semis! With Kent Ridge being the favourites and top contenders for Volleyball (M) Champs, it definitely proved to be a difficult fight for the team. Nevertheless, the boys fought valiantly from start to end.
Right from the warmup, the intensity was way up high. The free spikes were powerful, giving strong pre-game intimidation to the opponents. Their will and determination could be felt with every spike. The stands were well packed with our Eusoffian supporters, there to cheer the boys on and enjoy an intense match!
Final Score:
EH 0 - 3 KR
Set 1: 14 - 25 to KR
Set 2: 22 - 25 to KR
Set 3: 19 - 25 to KR
The 1st Set saw the following starting lineup: Jireh, Sihern, Daryl, Xinlong, Pin An, Alvin and Sky (Libero). The Men in Blue started off strongly, with their national volleyball player spiking with great force. Even with every tumble that comes with receiving such a strong spike or serve, the team never flinched and went in bravely, making many decent receives and saves. With that, the first point for Eusoff was clutched by Captain Xinlong with a quick tip, 1-5 to KR. Followed by another point with KR's out ball, 2-5 to KR. Xinlong brings home the third point by finding the gaps between KR's defense, 3-7 to KR. The intense match continued with many good spikes from the team, but these were countered by Kent Ridge's defense, 3-11 to KR. A ferocious spike by Xinlong - straight at a KR player, Pin An’s spike into the gap, insane block by Sihern and then his spike put Eusoff up, 7-13 to KR. A quick set by Jireh neatly places the ball for Sihern to bring it home, 8-13 to KR. A solid double block by Jireh and Sihern lands another point, 10-18 to KR. Despite Jireh’s dump - Alvin’s tip combination, the opponents were able to recover, 12-23 to KR amidst the team’s efforts. Before the end of the first set, 2 more points were snagged with Xinlong catching KR off-guard and a beautiful block by Daryl and Alvin duo. 1st Set ended with 14-25 to KR.
Captain Xinlong leaning back to adjust his body midair for the spike
Starting the 2nd Set with his iconic rooster hairstyle was Jireh, ready to serve the first ball. This set saw many dives from our team as no ball was left abandoned. Then, a crucial point was brought home by Sihern with a single man block, 4-5 to KR. The tides started to change as our team gave the Men in Blue a run for their money. Sihern tips a ball, KR brings it back, but Pin An put a stop to it with a spike so hard that the blues couldn’t save. 5-5. Service Ace by Daryl, 6-5 to EH. Good judgement with KR’s spike out, 7-5 to EH. Sihern also served an Ace amidst the close set. Jireh also saved KR setter’s dump in the nick of time. Many solid blocks this set put Eusoff up 12-10 to EH. Daryl’s tip, zero tempo play between Jireh and Alvin and Xinlong’s service ace pushed Eusoff to a 16-12 scoreline to EH. The stands had nothing but applause. Clap Clap and Kent Ridge called a timeout. Upon resumption, Alvin fooled the whole of Kent Ridge with a service that landed in KR’s court. Even the opponents had their hands up, ready to claim an out ball, but it was undoubtedly in. Point after point, both ends were catching up to each other, 19-19. A block by KR led to 19-20 to KR. But the boys got it right back with a Jireh dump - Sihern tip to finish, 20-20. With some faults by KR and strong spikes by KR’s national player, alas, the 3rd Set ended with a 22-25 to KR. Truly a close one.
Zule eye on the ball as he jumps into his strong serve
With the stakes sky high this set, Zu Le and Sihern’s excellent block, Pin An’s controlled spike right into KR’s gap and Xinlong’s thunderous spike earns Eusoff a point each, 8-8. Alvin makes a 'C' run and tips, 10-10. Countless connects and spikes speaks length about the chemistry within the team, bringing home points with truly great spikes from Xinlong and Jireh - Sihern duo. However, blocks from Kent Ridge and our blocks going out, led to a 18-24 to KR. Match point went to Kent Ridge as the referee call "touch net" against Eusoff. 3rd Set ended at 19-25 to KR.
Hands were shaken. Supporters and referees were thanked. A brave fight by the Male Voll(eh)ball Team concluded their IHG season at Semis. Thank you to all readers and supporters for cheering on the boys at their matches. With that, we hope to see you all again next season, for the fight back to reclaim the Gold and Champions title.
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