Lya Chua battles cramp to help Hwa Chong claim fourth straight A Div volleyball title

SINGAPORE – Leading 2-1, Hwa Chong Institution were under the cosh after squandering a seven-point lead in the fourth game in their bid to win a fourth straight National School Games A Division girls’ volleyball title on May 27.

That was when regular libero, Lya Chua, suffered cramp in her legs, forcing her substitution, as the momentum swung the way of their opponents Nanyang Junior College.

As the gruelling game went to deuce, Lya decided to brave the pain and return to the court. The vocal presence of the 17-year-old proved to be the tonic her team needed, as Hwa Chong prevailed 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 30-28) at Our Tampines Hub.

“I got cramps in both my legs. But I wanted to do my part and I felt that my role at that point was on the court with my teammates, so that’s why I decided to push through,” said Lya, who admitted she would have played a fifth set despite her condition.

Captain Elizabeth Chia, 18, added: “It feels very exhilarating (to win) because Hwa Chong volleyball is really like a family, and I feel very grateful and proud to be able to play and win for this team.”

Nanyang captain Loo Yu Wen was satisfied despite the defeat, after leading the team to their first final since 2019.

“We’ve had quite a few injuries this year. But, for every set, we always pushed until the end and I’m just glad the team tried their best,” said the 18-year-old.

While the Nanyang girls were disappointed, their boys turned the tables by beating Hwa Chong 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-23) in the final for their