Jakarta men's, women's teams to finals

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta men's and women's team are only one step away from making a clean sweep of the title at the 2001 interchapter national volleyball championships after winning their semifinal matches in the Basketball Hall of the Bung Karno Sports Complex.

The Jakartans male spikers had to work hard to eliminate tough contender Yogyakarta 3-1 (25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-17) at Saturday's semifinals. The other semis saw West Java thrashing East Java 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-19) to set up an encounter with the host.

Jakarta women's team is also ensured the final berth after comfortably defeating Yogyakarta 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-20) to set up a meet with West Java.

The neighboring province's team bounced back to overcome East Java 3-2 (18-25, 26-28, 25-19, 25-18, 15-13).

"When we were losing in the earlier two sets, I told my players that they would certainly lose if they kept on playing that way. If they didn't dare change their style and strategy, they would be excluded from the finals. The third set was our last chance.

"The East Java players have slightly better technical skills. In contrast, our players were exhausted," said Yun Yun Y., West Java women's team coach.

The Jakarta male spikers lost patience and rushed to finish the semifinal match in three sets after leading two sets. But they saw their hopes dashed as Yogyakarta managed to play fast and displayed accurate spiking.

In the deciding set, Yogyakarta managed to lead four to one. But with a powerful spike from Heri Kristianto, the home team trailed behind Yogyakarta 4-2.

Yogyakarta's senior volleyballer Suwido spiked out of the bounds, which boosted Jakarta's position to 4-3. Saefullah later equalized after dropping the ball on Yogyakarta's midcourt.

Wahyu Murti spiked far to the back to increase Yogyakarta's point to 5-4.

But Saefullah again made a powerful spike into the rival's court for another equalizer. Suwido increased Yogyakarta's lead to 6-5, but Dwi Suharyono made it six all.

Yogyakarta's downfall began when its players failed to block a tip from Jakarta's player which saw Jakarta leading 7-6.

A strong spike from Suwido fell out of the bounds and increased Jakarta's points to 8-6, and forced Yogyakarta's coach to ask for a technical time-out. Jakarta's domination continued until it sealed its victory. (ivy)