UNBEATABLE: The victorious Sarawak Women’s team with chief coach Moh in the middle.
SIBU: Sarawak cemented its reputation as the volleyball powerhouse when it lifted the national title for women and taking third placing for men at the Malaysia Open Volleyball Championship in Johor recently.
The state women’s team, spearheaded by former international player Luk Teck Hua, was in a class of its own.
In the final showdown, they comfortably beat host Johor 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-17) to win the championship which had not been organised for the past 10 years.
“It was a good result and a splendid achievement and I am fully satisfied with the performance of my spikers who showed true character, discipline and sportsmanship,” state volleyball chief coach Moh Ung Min said.
Moh was also pleased with the senior players in the team who provided the motivation and inspiration for the younger players.
“Combined, they formed a potent strike force that swept aside their opponents,” he praised.
A turning point in the tournament came in the semi-finals when Sarawak had to come from behind to beat Kuala Lumpur.
Trailing 1-2 after the third set, Sarawak players remained composed and they refused to throw in the towel.
Several powerful smashes coupled with intricate shot blocking earned them valuable points to take the fourth set.
The final set proved lopsided with Sarawak using the momentum to finish the championship unbeaten.
In the men’s bronze medal play-off, Sarawak overcame Perak in straight sets 25-12, 25-23 and 27-25.
Selangor beat Pahang 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 15-13) to win the national men’s title.