High School Volleyball vs. Maple Leaf. March 24th

The boy’s volleyball team put in an excellent volleyball performance against a very strong and resolute Maple Leaf team. In a best out of 5 matches the first set went to Wellington 25 – 22. Wellington started very brightly, and the starting 6 of Bill Zhang, Joseph Cooper,  Cheol Min Chae, JinWoo He, Tony Chen and YeongJin Kim built up a commanding lead. Coaches Mr. Service, Ms. Azin and Mr. Wang were keen to give all of the squad a part in the game and they all made a valuable contribution to the 1st set. It was pleasing to see year 9 students like Lincoln, Oscar, Owen and Ryoken playing senior volleyball and they performed well. The second set went to Maple Leaf, and it was clear the travelling team were hungry to avenge the previous game. As the games wore on the standard increased and there were some pulsating plays. Jin Woo made some spectacular blokes and Joseph Cooper worked very well as the main setter. The improvement in standard by all of the players was great to witness. The 3rd set was close throughout, in the end Maple Leaf hung on and clinched it taking the score to 2 – 1. Maple Leaf had the momentum and one more win would seal the game. It is in these sporting moments when character reveals itself. In the 4th and crucial set Maple Leaf were winning. Bill Zhang served 4 aces to bring the score Wellingtons way, Cheol Min and Tony worked in tandem to set up powerful smashes and then YeongJin claimed a jaw dropping set win with a well-placed shot.

With the score tied at 2-2 it would go to the final set. The game had been so exciting and nerve wracking throughout that it was inevitable that the final set would go to the wire, and it did. Maple Leaf took a 4 point lead, then Wellington leveled after good work by Joseph and Tony. Eventually Wellington were 14 – 12 up with Cheol Min on a run of good serves. Maple Leaf finally broke the serve, just when you sensed Wellington were in control. Thankfully for Wellington committed play by the squad enabled them to return the serve with a smash and seal a breathtaking victory.

Many thanks to Maple Leaf for visiting. Games with Maple Leaf are always close, hard matches between competitive players. The match could have gone either way and every player should be delighted with the way they conducted themselves and their schools.

Special mention to Ms. Azin, Mr. Service and Mr. Wang for all their hard work with the team. It has clearly paid off.