Hyderabad, Oct 21 (IANS) Kochi Blue Spikers bowed out of the tournament with a solid win in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL) at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, on Tuesday, defeating Ahmedabad Defenders 15-13, 14-16, 17-15, 15-9. Erin Varghese was named the Player of the Match. The result did not affect Ahmedabad’s position in the table, as they are already through to the semi-finals.

Ahmedabad started strongly with Battur Batsuuri’s missile attacks. A super serve from Kochi’s Jasjodh Singh bridged the gap between the two teams. Jasjodh motivated the Spikers with a super block on Shon T. John. Tremendous defending from Amrinderpal Singh helped them take the first set.

Erin’s ferocious serves caught Ahmedabad off-guard in the second set, and the Spikers continued their momentum. Ahmedabad brought Nandhagopal and Akhin on the court, and the new formation reaped rewards. Akhin blocked Kochi’s relentless attack from the middle zone, and the Defenders levelled the score.

A smart review helped the Defenders reclaim a crucial point. Tremendous defending from Jasjodh and Hemanth’s cross-body spikes helped Kochi regain momentum, and the tables turned once again. Nicolas Marechal played a key role on the back court in the third set as the Spikers took control of the game.

Hemanth continued to put pressure on Ahmedabad’s defence with strong spikes. Unforced errors further posed problems for Ahmedabad. Libero Alan Ashique’s quickfire defensive moves helped save Kochi’s important points. Amrinderpal and Jasjodh kept dominating the middle zone, helping Kochi. The Spikers won the game with a faulty serve from Arshak Sinan.

Earlier on Monday, Kolkata Thunderbolts returned to winning ways on the auspicious night of Diwali, defeating the hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks 15-9, 15-13, 9-15, 15-13 in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL) at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. Pankaj Sharma was named the Player of the Match. With the win, the Thunderbolts climbed to 6th position in the table with 9 points.

Before, the Goa Guardians pulled off a spectacular comeback to defeat the Delhi Toofans 14-16, 11-15, 15-11, 16-13, 15-11 in the PVL 2025 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday. With this win, the Guardians climbed up to fourth on the table with 10 points.

–IANS

bsk/