National University of Singapore's Inter-Faculty Games 2013 - Canoe Polo

Could not decide whether to take part in this year's Games because year 3 drains the life and energy out of you. It's a little hard for me to regain my competitive fire, especially for Canoe Polo. No, I do not have any experience (other than playing last year) in this sport. It's just that I have 6 years of kayaking experience, so I guess I can paddle? Though my ball sense is quite bad. 

Minus my fitness by 70% too. Imagine the inertia to go through a day of hardcore competition under the hot sun in a fat boat. Hahaha, I eventually agreed cause of: the team, the team manager, Medicine pride. Being defending champions adds a hell lot of stress to this year's gameplay. Last year we played for fun, and ended up as Champions, with a bit of luck. This year, the team's changed a bit, but we still needed lots of experience, skill, teamwork... and luck. 

The first few games were warm-up for me to up my aggressiveness and playing mentality. I guess eventually by the semis and finals, I was somewhat 80% of my past competitive self. So yes, I said semis and finals. We managed to emerge top of our group to play USP in the semis. We won that game and headed to the finals against Biz again. Each game was not easy. I'm really glad I had the girls this year. I had so much more rest than last year! ^^

Before we faced Biz, we were not too confident (except for our team manager who thinks we're invincible, haha), since we knew they were strong and we played them last year. Bern gave us some encouragement and we headed into the game. It was not an easy match, not at all. The match ended with a tie and we went into "Golden Goal" = "Sudden Death". The pressure to get the last ball as the chaser increased exponentially. Thankfully, Medicine was on the attacking side and we managed to score a goal at the end. Thanks be to God and my team. & the guys for being so supportive! The guys had to help me empty my boat at every half cause there was so much water. ><

Congrats to the guys for the dramatic improvement since last year to SECOND place this year! Champions for the girls and 2nd for the guys. This year is a good year. Whether I'll play again next year.... we'll see. #teammedicine