Vice-captain Karen Kok’s height helps Nanyang Girls’ High reclaim C Division volleyball title
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SINGAPORE – There were tears on both sides after the final whistle went at the Singapore University of Technology and Design on Aug 28.
Despite a close affair in the first set, Nanyang Girls’ High School defeated defending champions Bukit Panjang Government High School
Nanyang’s win came on the back of a star turn from vice-captain and middle blocker Karen Kok, with her 1.75m frame playing a key role in several blocks and spikes, which garnered praise from her coach and opponents.
Said her coach Yap Ah Kuan: “She has improved a lot and has taken on instruction very well on the court, and her height definitely helped us in this match.”
On the team, Yap added: “Our mentality is strong today, we were able to take the pressure and once that is sorted, our skills will show for themselves. I must applaud our opponents, they played very well and despite losing, they put a lot of pressure on us.”
Bukit Panjang captain Leong Si Yan said: “I feel that the middle blocker for them, because of her height, it was hard to block her, and it was very hard to see where she would spike. So that was a challenge for us.”
Karen, 14, acknowledged the compliments, saying: “Every now and then, there are faster, taller people and people that can jump higher. Everyone has their own strengths.”
Nanyang captain Valerie Lim and Karen were both in the team who lost to Bukit Panjang in the semi-finals a year back and when they realised they would be facing them in the final this time round, they did not see it as an opportunity for revenge and just wanted to give a good account of themselves.
Said Valerie: “At the start, we were kind of stressed because we lost last year, so this year we wanted to come back stronger and we managed to win.”
When asked whether the title had avenged their 2023 loss, she shook her head, saying: “We’re really happy that we could win back our title ( Nanyang last won in 2022
Karen added: “I think one of the biggest parts of overcoming competition is the pressure, the new environment and spectators.”
The teams were neck and neck in the opening encounter, with neither side able to pull away, as they were tied 16-16 halfway through the first set. Karen’s height then came to the fore as her spikes helped Nanyang pull away and seal the first set 25-20.
Nanyang started the second set how they finished the first, taking a commanding 7-0 lead in the opening minutes, an advantage that they would not relinquish.
Nanyang Girls’ High School captain Valerie Lim hugs a supporter after winning the C Division girls’ volleyball final against Bukit Panjang Government High School.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Despite Bukit Panjang’s valiant efforts, they were unable to reclaim parity, eventually falling 25-19.
Si Yan, who was teary eyed after the prize presentation, added: “I don’t feel satisfied with what my team has done in the game, because I know that after all our training, we could have performed better.
“My coach comforted us and said that what’s done is done, and told us not to cry but I’m quite disappointed in myself. That’s why I cried.”
Meanwhile, Valerie and Karen were seen shedding tears of joy with their teammates as they hoisted their trophy.
Karen said of her tears: “It’s just like, so surreal. At the start of the whole competition, basically everyone’s goal is (to be champions) and we’ve been saying that for so long, but now it actually happens, you can’t really believe it.”
In the third-place play-off on Aug 22, River Valley High School beat Chung Cheng High School (Main) 25-17, 25-18.
