Crossing The Line (fanfic) ~ Completed

18. Pass, Set & Spike

The day of the tournament had finally arrived. Students and teachers from various schools had graced the campus of Jhih Hong Senior High for the inter school Volleyball competition. Since it was the first day of the tournament all the classes of Jhih Hong had been cancelled. This gave an opportunity for the students to come and watch their school compete and to support the team members.

The entrance of the gymnasium was decorated in chinese red colors and the message in bold gold letters welcomed one and all to be a part of the event. As a result of the thorough polishing done, the floor and the bleachers of the gym sparkled like crystal as the overhead lights hit on their surface. A hint of the gym floor finish used to gloss the hardwood of the gym, still permeated the room beckoning one to breathe in the heady scent. All the necessary arrangements required for the competition were carried out to perfection. All that remained now was for the tournament to commence.

The gym was packed with bodies and one could literally feel the excitement in the air. As the director of the school entered and stood on the wooden platform, placed at the centre of the gym, the hall went quiet expectantly waiting for his speech.

"Good day to everyone present here today. It's a pleasure to be hosting this year's volleyball competition at Jhih Hong Senior High and as the director let me take this moment to welcome all the students and teachers of the various schools participating in this competition. Hope our school can serve all your requirements. Lastly I would like to wish good luck to all the teams for their performance. May the best school win....Jiayou!"

A sound of applause resonated in the gym at the director's welcoming speech. After the director's speech the referees, the scorers and the sponsors were introduced. Next the scheduled matches, names of the team's playing against each other for the day were announced. With the introduction and announcements out of the way the first match began.

The Jhih Hong volleyball team were still in their locker room as they still had some time left before their team could play. Coach Zhong was once again going over the strategies of the game with the team, ticking off all the tactics that they had previously discussed about the team that they were going to play against.

"Keep your head cool and be focused in the game. At any given time if you feel you are not able to be in control of the ball, shout out for help to the other team member. In the end it's all about the team co-operation and effort. Is that clear?"

"Yes coach!" The team shouted out their reply.

"Phew! Then we are finally about to get started. Let's put all the year's effort into today's performance and come out victorious. Let's start the tournament with a bang. To Jhih Hong High!"

"To Jhih Hong High!" The team hailed the name with much gusto. They were bubbling with anticipation to show off their skills at the court.

One of the volunteer entered the locker room and informed the team that they were to assemble at the court. Yu Hao just couldn't contain the nervousness within him. This was officially going to be the first match that he would be playing for his school. He couldn't wait to get on the court and contribute to the team's win over Chung Hsing High.

The team followed the coach and the manager towards the gym. Even though he was excited Yu Hao still felt butterflies swarming in the pit of his stomach. Wang Zhen Wen on the other hand looked relaxed and cool as if this was something he did on a daily basis. Glancing at his friend he couldn't help but smile.

"Relax will you.....Just think of it as one of our practise matches and you'll be fine." Wang Zhen Wen said as he hooked his arm around Yu Hao's shoulder. The said guy could only nod in nervousness.

As soon as they entered, the gymnasium went up in an uproar. The students and parents present cheered for the Jhih Hong volleyball team. Seeing the enthusiasm of the spectators the team bowed and waved their approval for all the support from the audience. The team of Chung Hsing High were already present at the court and they looked mighty firce as they stared at the team that had just made their presence known.