Hyderabad, Oct 2
Hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks defeated defending champions Calicut Heroes 15-12, 18-16, 18-16 in an enthralling opening match of the fourth season of Prime Volleyball League (PVL) at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here on Thursday. Paulo Lamounier was named the Player of the Match.
Calicut's Vikas Maan's impressive blocking shut down Hyderabad's attacks early on. Coach Sunny Joseph's strategy of giving Rajasthan's Ashok Bishnoi a starting spot worked in Calicut's favour, as the attacker helped his side with an aggressive display.
Sahil Kumar began the counter-attack to bring the hosts back in the game. Calicut's inconsistencies with first touch affected their momentum, and the Hawks took the lead.
Shameem's presence on court improved Calicut's rhythm, but Paulo's discipline on court kept Hyderabad on course. Ashok won a crucial super point for Calicut to keep the game alive. Vitor Yudi Yamamoto's cross attacks kept troubling the defending champions and gave the hosts control in the game.
Bishnoi's consecutive super serves quickly turned the momentum again, and the Red Army came alive in the stands. With Niyas and 2023 season MVP Guru Prashanth joining Hyderabad's attacks, the hosts made the most of Calicut's defensive troubles.
Calicut held on to their super serve and earned two crucial points. In reply, Hyderabad Black Hawks called a super serve of their own, and Niyas once again found gaps on Calicut's court to help the home side get the win.
Meanwhile, strong title contenders Bengaluru Torpedoes are planning to leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory in Season 4 of Prime Volleyball League, which keeps growing every year.
Two-time Olympic medallist from the USA and Bangaluru Torpedoes head coach Lee is understandably keen to land the coveted title, having finished as runners-up in Season 2. “Our goal for sure, 100%, is to win. And that's every single year. I think those goals have always been achievable, but we've always fallen a little bit short. But this season, this team is definitely better than last year,†he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Calicut's first touch issues really cost them the match. They need to work on their basics if they want to defend their title. Ashok Bishnoi was brilliant though - that super serve sequence was fire! 🔥
As someone new to following PVL, I'm impressed by the quality of play. The super serve concept makes it really exciting! Hyderabad's home crowd advantage seemed to make a big difference.
While it was an exciting match, I feel the coverage focused too much on foreign players. Our Indian talents like Sahil Kumar and Niyas deserve more recognition for their crucial contributions! 🇮🇳
The momentum shifts in this match were incredible! One moment Calicut looks dominant, next moment Hyderabad takes control. Volleyball is becoming so competitive in India - love to see it!
Bengaluru Torpedoes coach Lee sounds really determined this season. After coming so close in Season 2, they might finally break through. The competition this year is going to be intense! 💪
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.