Sweet revenge for Bukit Panjang B boys' volleyball team
They met in the final last year, and Shuqun Secondary School emerged victorious in a narrow 2-1 win.
Bukit Panjang Government High School and Shuqun Secondary School met again in the final of the West Zone 'B' Division Boys Volleyball Championships yesterday.
This time, Bukit Panjang came out on top, exacting sweet revenge as they beat the reigning champions 2-0 (25-21, 26-24) at the Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall.
It was another close encounter, and Bukit Panjang captain Azriel Lee believes the loss last year was a source of motivation for the team.
"At first, we didn't have too much confidence but, as we went through the rounds, we slowly built up our confidence and momentum," he said.
"I'm very happy. It's like revenge. It's like a comeback," he said.
"Even though the odds were against us, we were motivated after last year's performance.
"All of us are very motivated and we wanted to win so much, so I'm very happy."
Coach Ng Peng Cheow said the result would be a big boost for the team heading into the nationals.
"They did very well today, especially at the front, where they had good control mentally and emotionally," Ng said.
"Last year, we lost to Shuqun. Now, we've beaten them.
"It's good for the morale."
Ng has also been impressed by the way the boys had formed such a strong bond with each other.
"This bunch of boys work hard together and they really give all their effort. The seniors help guide the juniors who've just joined the 'B' Boys team."
Azriel, 15, revealed that the team have targeted a place in the final of the nationals. The school had finished in the top 16 last year.
Singling out players like Leong Xiu Heng, the captain of last year's National 'C' Division champions, and Raihan Abdul Sukor, one of the stars in the team, Azriel believes the squad will be able to meet the target.
But the coach said hard work will be vital.
"It depends on the way they're playing and the hard work they put in," said Ng.
"We need to continue training intensively to achieve the target."
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