Local League: Karnataka sails into semi-final

Karnataka got off to a brisk start in the first set, maintaining a three-point advantage for most part of the set. Its blockers had a very good day, managing to pull off points on a consistent basis.

Service errors from SC Railway also contributed to the slender lead that Karnataka had. Trailing 19-24, the railwaymen scored four consecutive points, managing a late surge. The comeback was brought to a halt as Karnataka clinched the set 25-23. 

In the second set, Karnataka had a slender lead of two points going into the first time-out. Its domination continued as the lead increased to eight points with the scoreline at 20-12. Karnataka managed to come up trumps, taking a 2-0 lead in the contest with a 25-17 win in the second. 

There was nothing to separate in between the two teams at the start of the third set, with both teams gaining seven points each. South Central Railway looked a rejuvenated unit but it failed to control the proceedings, just like how things panned out in the first and second sets. 

Defending champion SRM University won in straight sets against Kerala Police. It won with a scoreline of 25-15, 25-19, 25-22. 

Result: Men: Quarter-finals: Karnataka beat South Central Railway 25-23, 25-17, 25-18; SRM University beat Kerala Police 25-15, 25-19, 25-22.