Mokokchung Times
Artang and Sungkomen wards will square off in the final match on Monday after what may be regarded as one of the best semifinal matchups in the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, which drew close to 1000 spectators.
The Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament, which is being organized by the Kumlong Sporting Association, will conclude with the final game between the Artang and Sungkomen wards on Monday at 2 o’clock at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung.
The zealous spectators in Mokokchung, a town famed for its love for sports and volleyball, once again did not let the organizers down.
How the semi-final matches went down
Yimyu loses to Sungkomen
A young and energized Yimyu ward team and a highly self-assured Sungkomen ward team had a fantastic semi-final encounter of three sets in front of a jam packed boisterous crowd with cheers for their favorite team ringing in the spectators’ ears.
The battle between the blue-clad Sungkomen ward and the yellow-clad Yimyu ward was one of the most entertaining, with Sungkomen taking home the opening set with a straightforward score line of 25/13.
Imtionen of Yimyu ward, however, put on a magnificent performance by effortlessly receiving the ball. Yet, despite steadying the ship with his amazing plays, the Yimyu squad was unable to win the second set, which Sungkomen won 25/18.
In the second set, the Yimyu squad produced a stunning comeback, but it was overshadowed by Aotoshi’s outstanding play for Sungkomen, who didn’t miss an opportunity. The performance of Yimyu was overshadowed by his impeccable spikes.
As Yimyu made a valiant effort, the final set developed into the most competitive set of the game. However, Yimyu struggled with the spikes from Menang of Sungkomen ward.
The young Yimyu team fought hard and did their best, but ultimately fell short to a well-organized Sungkomen ward team, eventually losing 31/29 after a gallant fight.
Overall, both sides gave it their best during their semi-final match but Sungkomen was the more physically and tactically superior squad.
Kumlong loses to Artang
The Kumlong Team, known for their tournament-long winning streak, was defeated by an Artang team that was crafty, nimble, and coordinated.
In the first set, the Kumlong team was the first to serve, and as if it were a portent of worse things to come, they dropped a point on their very first serving.
Despite having a better start, the Artang team grew sloppy and started losing a lot of volleys. But the two teams, which had a mix of young and experienced players, produced one of the most exciting games with endless volleys keeping the crowd on edge.
Despite possessing one of the greatest setters in the competition in Limasunep (Jersey no. 6), Kumlong was unable to defeat Artang’s Imlitemjen-Imsentoba-Tamalepden combo, who displayed excellent coordination in the court.
Unfortunately, Kumlong’s offensive players lacked coordination with their setter, and the Yarangpong-Watitoshi-Sademmeren combo failed to contain the opposition. Kumlong’s Watitoshi, the team captain, had his best moments when in his left-hitter position.
Along with his real brother and teammate, Imsentoba, who shined in tonight’s game, the seasoned Tamalepden of Artang ward quickly became the talk of the evening who stole the show with his deft skills.
Meanwhile, Mongshin, a well-respected player was replaced twice for Kumlong who was in the first set before being reintroduced in the third.
Artang won the match in straight sets 25/18, 25/18, 25/15 and booked their place in the final match of the 1st ever Mokokchung Town Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament where they will face Sungkomen Ward.