Chennai Blitz, in must-win game, stuns Bengaluru
Chennai’s strategy to keep Sethu off the baseline helped it control play and Leandro Jose’s super served helped the home side.
Action during Chennai Blitz and Bengaluru Torpedoes
CHENNAI: Chennai Blitz kept its Super 5s hopes alive with a commanding 16-14, 15-11, 15-13 win over the Bengaluru Torpedoes in the third season of the Prime Volleyball League powered at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Friday. Dhilip Kumar was named the Player of the Match.
Raman Kumar and Kumar provided Chennai an edge, while the Torpedoes tried to counter the attacking threat through Mujeeb’s blocks. Chennai’s strategy to keep Sethu off the baseline helped it control play and Leandro Jose’s super served helped the home side. Coach Dakshinamoorthy’s combination play involving Joe, Akhin and Dhilip helped Chennai take an early lead.
Despite Ibin’s firing power, the Torpedoes kept finding itself trailing, with unforced errors hurting its momentum. Leandro found another Super Serve to rock Bengaluru’s defence and the Blitz found itself in complete control. Sethu’s spikes left a lot to be desired on the night and the Blitz maintained its dominance.
Chennai relied on Jose’s big arm on the night to provide fire in the middle, despite Jishnu proving to be a good substitute blocker for Bengaluru again. Mujeeb began turning things around for Bengaluru with all-round display, reigniting his side’s hopes. But Akhin’s presence in the middle kept the momentum stable for Chennai. Despite Ibin’s aggressive play from the service line, Chennai earned the win in straight sets.
