GIRLS CHAMP: Sarawak girls Under-12 players with Fatimah (standing, third left) and other officials at the Datuk Kawada Indoor Stadium yesterday. The team emerged champ in the MSSM Volleyball Championship. — Photos by Lester Mekan
KUCHING: Host Sarawak emerged overall champion of the Inter-state MSSM Volleyball Championship at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Indoor Stadium, yesterday.
The championship crown was won through points scored by Sarawak Boys and Girls U12 when they won both titles.
Earlier in the Boys U12 final Sarawak beat Kelantan by straight sets, 27-25 and 25-16 while the girls won against Johor 25-16 and 25-19. Both matches were played at Datuk Kawada indoor Stadium, Kota Samarahan.
Other points for Sarawak’s contingent were collected by the Boys and Girls U18, both teams finished as first runner up of the competition.
Meanwhile, favourites Selangor edged Sarawak U18 3-1 in a closely contested final.
Sarawak started off an electrifying attack and quickly scored four points until Selangor powered by three spikers from Bukit Jalil Sports School overtook to lead and scored points after points much to cause anxiety among Sarawak’s young players.
After encountering intense opposition Selangor beat Sarawak 25-23, 25-23, 23-25 and 25-15.
Philip Teo when asked to comment on the performance of his players said that his team were beaten by being inexperienced competing in higher level tournaments.
“Except for Samuel Wong and Jackson Ying, the rest do not have enough exposure to competitive tournaments except for the five players who have played in the MSSM Boys U12 tournament in 2008,” added Teo.
Meanwhile the Girls U18 have to be satisfied with playing bridesmaids to Johor.
However, Johor also powered by three Bukit Jalil’s players have to play all-out to defeat adamant Sarawak 25-22,15-25,25-19 and 25-15 to defend the title they won last year.
Despite of the defeat, Philip Ling said that he was satisfied by his charges performance.
“The players and I are satisfied with the result, as it shows that we have improved from last year’s third placing to finish second this year,” he enthused.
Sarawak players that were adjudged the best blocker, spiker, and setter of the tournament were, Ting Hui Zhi , Yet Min We (GirlsU12), Johnny Kung (BoysU12) and Samuel Wong Teck Eng (BoysU18).
Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Adullah officiated at the closing cum prize giving ceremony.