Prime Volleyball League 2024: Ahmedabad Defenders, Chennai Blitz extend winning run to consolidate top two spots

In contrast, Kolkata Thunderbolts have lost each of their opening three matches.

Defending champions Ahmedabad Defenders extended their winning run at the Prime Volleyball League 2024 with straight sets win over Hyderabad Hawks, their third straight victory in the ongoing edition of the league. Similarly, Chenni Blitz also won a hat-trick of matches with a 3-2 victory over former champions Kolkata Thunderbolts.

Ahmedabad Defenders beat Hyderabad Black Hawks

Ahmedabad Defenders continued their spectacular form in the third season of the Prime Volleyball League defeating Hyderabad Black Hawks 17-15, 15-13, 15-11 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Thursday. Nandhagopal was named the Player of the Match.

Max Senica gave Ahmedabad a solid start, with Muthusamy finding the Australian attacker with his clever passes. Ashamat Ullah’s began serving aggressively, helping the Hawks. Angamuthu and Nandhagopal rocked Hyderabad’s defence with thunderous super serves. But service pressure from Hyderabad’s Hemanth kept the game on level terms.

Lal Sujan’s impeccable passing saved Hyderabad on more than a few occasions. But Nandha managed to get his side ahead with sensational spikes. Ivan Jose’s left-handed spikes provided a chance for Hyderabad to get back. But mastermind Muthu controlled the play brilliantly and did not give the opposition any breathing room. 

Nandha’s pipe attacks and Angamuthu’s offence from the lines started causing troubles for the Hawks. John Joseph and Sahil Kumar combined to begin Hyderabad’s fight back, while birthday boy Stefan Kovacevic made vital blocks in the middle. But LM Manoj made a crucial block on a super point, ending Hyderabad’s resistance, and the Defenders won their third straight game in straight sets.

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Chennai Blitz produces late comeback to defeat Kolkata Thunderbolts

Chennai Blitz came from behind to pick a dominant 14-16, 21-20, 15-5, 17-19, 15-8 win over the Kolkata Thunderbolts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Thursday at the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23. Raman Kumar was named the Player of the Match.

Sudheer Shetty went toe-to-toe with Akhin GS as the encounter kicked off with the battle of the middles. Vinit Kumar from Zone 2 attacked well, while Ashwal Rai dominated from the middle for the Thunderbolts. But Chennai’s Raman’s offensive moves kept the game in balance. With Vinit’s powerful spike, the Thunderbolts edged just ahead in the intensely close battle.

Kolkata started benefiting from Prabagaran’s aggressive play, but the in-form Dhilip Kumar kept Blitz on the Thunderbolts’ toes. The duo of Ashwal and Vinit became a hard puzzle for Chennai to crack, but a crucial super point win changed their fortunes. Sameer’s quick thinking brought the home side back into the contest.

Raman’s powerful spikes started threatening Kolkata as the game progressed. A few unforced errors and a minor miscommunication from Kolkata allowed Chennai to widen the gap. Vinit continued his roaring form to try and shackle the opposition with consistent attacks and open the gateway back for Kolkata.

The aggressive Thunderbolts pushed the match to a final set with Ashwal’s spike. Chennai’s defensive game only improved in the final set and Joel Benjamin’s contribution in attacks provided a path for Blitz to get a vital win.

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