Volleyball bronze hailed as 'awesome'

The women's team made a breakthrough by winning bronze, the Republic's first volleyball medal at the SEA Games in 34 years.
The women's team made a breakthrough by winning bronze, the Republic's first volleyball medal at the SEA Games in 34 years. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

SINGAPORE'S first SEA Games volleyball medal in 34 years is significant enough. But to achieve the milestone in front of those you know makes it extra special.

Quek Soo Teng, 28, who led the Republic's women to a bronze medal, said after yesterday's medal ceremony: "It was very emotional for us to see all our hard work paying off and achieve our aim of getting a medal.

"It was even more awesome when our family and friends were here to witness it together."

The team had been assured of the medal after beating Myanmar 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals last Saturday.

Unfortunately, they were unable to make the final after a 25-17, 25-12, 25-14 defeat by eventual silver medallists Vietnam.

In the men's final yesterday, defending champions Thailand clinched their country's 95th and last gold of the Games, defeating Vietnam 25-20, 25-19, 25-23.

It was the icing on the cake after the Thai women defeated Vietnam 3-0 in Monday's final.

Indonesia and Myanmar received bronze in the men's event. Indonesia claimed the other women's bronze.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 17, 2015, with the headline Volleyball bronze hailed as 'awesome'. Subscribe