Hyderabad: Ahmedabad Defenders won the Prime Volleyball League. Crushed Chennai Blitz in straight sets. This is Ahmedabad’s third straight win of the season. Score: 15-11, 15-13, 15-10, 15-9, 15-12. Ahmedabad’s Nandagopal Subramaniam was adjudged Player of the Match.
Chennai Blitz first gained the upper hand in the match through Akhin GS’s devastating attacks. But middle blocker LM Manoj made some powerful blocks to bring the Ahmedabad defenders on board. Daniel Motasedi’s hard spikes suffocated Chennai.
As the game turned into a battle of the middle order, Akh’s performance proved crucial for the Blitz. Chennai’s ploy to shift Jobin Varghese to the left was successful, but Manoj and Nandagopal kept Ahmedabad going with consistent blocks. But spiked errors by Angamuthuvi Santhosh and Ahmedabad’s defenders leaked the points.
With Moyo and Renato constantly changing the direction of the ball, the Chennai blitz seemed to be back into the game. But as captain Muthusamy Appavu and Angamuthu blocked Chennai’s move, the game control was again in the hands of the defenders.
Muthusamy bowled constantly for the Attackers in the middle. The presence of the rising Daniel also created concern for Chennai. Akhin tried to get the team back in the middle but did not get much support from his teammates.
The Defenders pounced on the opportunity to win 5 – 0 and climb to the top spot. Nandagopal continued to excel and his strong serves were unanswered from Chennai’s court. Ahmedabad swept the match and secured three crucial points.
Two matches will be played on Monday. Kolkata Thunderbolts will face Mumbai Meteors in the first match at 7 PM. Ahmedabad Defenders and Calicut Heroes will clash in the match at 9.30 pm, aiming for their fourth consecutive win.
Last Updated Feb 19, 2023, 11:15 PM IST
