On March 31, the annual Cup of Torch volleyball competition held in WHU came to its finale. After a nearly two-hour fierce rivalry against the School of Mathematics and Statistics, the School of Information Management won the female championship.
Thinking back on the final, members of the winning team commented on their performance. Xia Yuqi, the team’s chief spiker, began the second inning with a powerful serve, then repeatedly tore apart the rival’s strong defensive wall. “Generally speaking, I was satisfied with my performance. I spared no effort running and jumping during the game. Though sometimes I was a bit worried when our score fell behind, I felt rejuvenated by my teammates’ encouragement.” The other members also played well in the final. When the team lagged behind their rival during the second inning, the second spiker Zhang Yafei coordinated well with the tosser Zhang Yue to run the fastball, which helped turn the scale. “I disturbed the opponent’s defensive rhythm and formation, which helped turn the table to some degree. However, it is a pity that I haven’t yet played up to my best,” Zhang Yafei reflected on herself.
Fierce rivalry on the court
When referring to the most unforgettable moments in the final, Zhang Yafei mentioned her cooperation with the other members. “I yelled to remind my teammates of our rival’s attack on the court. Suddenly I realized that besides performing my duty, I could help and influence my teammates, being a partner they can rely on.” Xia Yuqi also emphasized their teamwork on the court. “We often complain that our team leader seldom communicates with us during the training. But this time she made a breakthrough. It was comforting when I heard her voice calling ‘Let me do it’ during the game.”
Team members putting their hands together to cheer each other up
The path to the championship was tortuous, but torchlights are shining in the team members’ hearts. Before they glowed on the finals court, they had tackled many difficulties. Members interviewed all mentioned their experience in the semi-final, when they were matched against the School of Economics and Management. But they had taken their rival too lightly. “The day before the semi-final, our team dined together happily, and we did not discuss the strategy at all. We knew little about our opponent, but our rival had made full preparations.” Zhang Yafei recalled, “Then we lost the first round by six scores.” However, they adjusted their state quickly and won the second inning. When the score came to 13-12 during the final round, the tosser Zhang Yue aced their opponent, leading to them reaching the match point. Then Zhang Yafei blocked the ball, finally winning a narrow victory.
School of Information Management volleyball team wins the female championship
Behind the final victory is the team members’ everyday effort. They usually have two two-hour training sessions in the gym and a one-hour training slot outside. Inside the gym, they engage in volleyball-specific training aimed at developing their expertise, and on the outdoor training ground, they mostly focus on projects that can improve their physical strength. Besides, when the annual Cup of Torch volleyball competition draws near, they frequently practice games with volleyball teams from other schools two or three times a week. When they are in the full moon practice, everyone plays wholeheartedly. At other times, they also play jokes on each other, having built a harmonious relationship.
The annual Cup of Torch is valuable not only because of the teams’ excellent performances and outstanding results but also because of their pure friendship and wonderful sporting spirit. Just as Ren Yifei, one of the game’s referees, said after the competition, “The Cup of Torch reminds me of my past training days when I was a professional player and makes me recall the time I spent with my teammates. As for students about to graduate, some break existing records in the history of the school, while some may graduate with regret. However, after the game, they encouraged each other regardless of happiness or sadness, with the volleyball game having borne witness to their friendship.”
Xia Yuqi hugging her counterpart
Xia Yuqi’s hugging her rival proved Ren’s comment. After the game, Xia embraced the chief spiker of the School of Mathematics and Statistics. “She is the captain of the WHU volleyball team and I am the vice-captain. We’ve grown together from our freshman year to senior year. The Cup of Torch is unique for us, and this year’s match is my last Cup of Torch. No matter what the outcome of the game would be, we promised to embrace each other after the final.”
Photo by Lin Yangjie, Zou Pengzhi
Edited by Li Jing, Qin Zehao, Zhang Yilin, Zou Xiaohan, Xi Bingqing, Sylvia
