Prime Volleyball League 2024: Ahmedabad Defenders beat Kolkata Thunderbolts, Delhi Toofans stun Bengaluru Torpedoes

The defending champions have won both of their matches.

In a battle of champions, Ahmedabad Defenders defeated Kolkata Thunderbolts in straight sets while debutants Delhi Toofans stunned Bengaluru Torpedoes on matchday four of the Prime Volleyball League 2024.

Ahmedabad Defenders beat Kolkata Thunderbolts

Ahmedabad Defenders won the battle of Champions on Sunday, defeating the Season 1 winners Kolkata Thunderbolts 15-13, 15-9, 15-6 in the third season of Prime Volleyball League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Nandhagopal was named the Player of the match.  

Muthusamy led his side with solid passing, and Max Senica and Nandha contributed with solid spikes to give the Defenders a strong start. With Vinit Kumar’s consistent attacks on the lines, Kolkata played to their strengths to keep the game in balance. Including middle blocker Ashwal Rai, Kolkata tried to inch ahead. But a couple of unforced errors from Thunderbolts, and a powerful smash from Angamuthu allowed Ahmedabad to get in front.

Muthu’s passing only kept improving as the game progressed as he kept providing plenty of attacking options to his side. The pipe attacks from Nandha only added more pressure on Kolkata. Onur Cukur’s aggressive passing presented a challenge for Defenders, but middle blocker LM Manoj took responsibility on him to close down the play.

Angamuthu, who had been quiet for most of the game came alive in the final few minutes, and showcased variations in attack to help his side. A smart review call earned Ahmedabad a super point, and the defending champions followed it with a super serve to register a statement-making win over the Thunderbolts.

Delhi Toofans defeat Bengaluru Torpedoes

The new franchise on the block, the Delhi Toofans stunned the Bengaluru Torpedoes in the third season of Prime Volleyball League on Sunday, picking up a 15-10, 15-13, 21-20 win over the last year’s runners-up Bengaluru Torpedoes to get their first win of the season. Santhosh was named the Player of the Match.

Delhi were on the offensive straightaway with Lazar Dodic making powerful spikes to get his side ahead. The Toofans got rid of the first day jitters, as Aayush Kasnia made well-timed blocks to put his side in control. Danial Aponza began making impact from the middle, further increasing Delhi’s lead.

Trailing behind, Bengaluru changed tactics. Thomas Heptinstall found his groove with attacks, and with Sethu TR serving aggressively, the Torpedoes found a door for themselves. Srajan Shetty became more involved in defence and with strong blocks, Bengaluru returned to the hunt.

David Lee’s counter-attacking strategy was tackled by Delhi’s defense led by skipper Saqlain Tariq and the Toofans once again inched ahead. Santhosh’s served and stepped forward for a powerful spike as Delhi took complete control of the proceedings. 

The Torpedoes showed resistance as Paulo Lamounier kept the game in the middle allowing Mujeeb and Srajan to making gutsy blocks. Rohit Kumar built pressure from the service line to help Delhi. The topsy turvy game came to a close as Aponza dominated from the middle and Delhi Toofans recorded their first win of the season.

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