MUSCAT, DEC 17
Seeb Club booked their place in the semifinals of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Shield Volleyball Championship after a straight-set victory over Al Ittihad. The match was played at the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, as Seeb once again demonstrated their technical superiority and vast experience in decisive encounters.
Seeb entered the match with high concentration and imposed their rhythm from the opening set, relying on powerful serves and well-organised blocking, which gave them a clear advantage and an early 11–4 lead. Despite Al Ittihad’s attempts to re-enter the match and show balanced attacking play, weaknesses in defensive coverage allowed the gap to widen, with Seeb taking the first set 25–16.
Al Ittihad started the second set more positively and managed to take a two-point lead early on, but Seeb quickly regained their balance and levelled the score at 3–3. The teams remained locked at 6–6 before Seeb’s experience proved decisive, as they tightened control, gradually extended their lead, and closed the set with the same scoreline, 25–16.
The third set was more evenly contested at the start, with Al Ittihad moving three points ahead, capitalising on a brief lapse from Seeb. However, Seeb responded strongly, drawing level at 6–6 before taking full command through defensive stability and attacking efficiency. They maintained their advantage to seal the set 25–21 and complete a clean 3–0 victory.
FIVE-SET THRILLER
Majees Club also secured a place in the semifinals after an exciting five-set win over Masirah, in a fiercely contested match that remained intense until the final moments.
The match began in favour of Masirah, who entered with strong focus and successfully dictated play in the first set, benefiting from solid reception and effective attacking to win it 25–20, amid a relative dip in Majees’ finishing.
Majees bounced back strongly in the second set, showing a completely different performance. They dominated proceedings with powerful serving and disciplined defence, unsettling Masirah and comfortably taking the set 25–11.
The third set saw continued back-and-forth action, with both sides exchanging points in a highly competitive contest. Masirah pushed hard to regain momentum, but Majees’ experience in handling crucial points allowed them to edge the set 27–25.
Masirah refused to surrender and returned strongly in the fourth set, which was evenly balanced for most of its duration. Masirah eventually clinched it 26–24 after a run of late points, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, Majees appeared calmer and more composed, capitalising on Masirah’s errors, varying their attacking options, and succeeding at the net to take the set 15–10 and claim a dramatic 3–2 victory.
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