Temasek Polytechnic, Monday, 12 January 2009 – Republic Polytechnic (RP) mens volleyball team was no match for Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) as the latter claimed the victory in three straight sets.

Despite the fact that RP deserved an 'A' for effort, NP stood out with its more experienced players. The first set's score stood at 25-16, led by NP.

NP's strength came from its attackers. The team created a good lead from the beginning of set two.

Ang Shun Liang from NP spiked the ball across with no reply from RP. Nonetheless, RP still preserved with the offense as Loe Teng Yi, who was stationed near the net spiked the ball across.

Unfortunately for RP, NP stood out in the defence as well with numerous breath-taking diving returns. Of special mention during the secont set is NP's Libero player Esmond Wong. His defensive qualities coupled withis powerful strikes allowed NP to end the the second set at 25-12, led by NP.

The third set saw an improvement in RP's team coordination as they caught NP by surprise numerous times. Vincent Oo, one of NP's key spikers, constantly managed to hit the ball at the correct spot leaving RP with no reply. 

RP led by Lim Huibin, tried to no avail to block the ball. They did succeed on a couple of occasion but unfortunately, RP did not have others who are fast enough to react to continue the play.

Perhaps, as a reflection of their on-court performance, the bench, which RP's team was sitting on, collapsed in the third set causing a breakout in laughter amongst the crowd.

The third set ended at 25-16, led by NP.

Jestyn Khoo, captain from Ngee Ann Polytechnic says, “Although we won, but we still need plenty of improvement, in terms of our offensive attacks. We need to be prepared for the stronger teams which we will be coming up against.”

Lai Zhi Ping, captain from Republic Polytechnic remarks, “We didn't perform up to standard. Winning is of course a bonus for us, but I always tell my team that how we play the game is more important. I think we did quite well in terms of teamwork and communication with each other.”