Defending champions, Ahmedabad Defenders clawed its way back from a mid-match slump to defeat the Delhi Toofans in a nail-biting five-set encounter 15-10, 11-15, 10-15, 15-12, 18-16 during the Prime Volleyball League’s Super 5 stage here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Friday.
The Defenders wasted no time asserting their dominance in the first set. Led by their universal attacker, R Angamuthu, who unleashed a series of powerful smashes, Ahmedabad established a comfortable lead early on. Despite a late surge by the Toofans, the Defenders held firm to secure a convincing win in the opening set.
The second set witnessed a complete turnaround as the Toofans roared back into contention. Santhosh S and Daniel Aponza spearheaded the offensive charge, putting the Defenders under pressure. A further setback struck Ahmedabad when their attacker, Nandhagopal S, suffered a knee injury while attempting a block and had to be stretchered off the court.
READ | PVL 2024: Delhi Toofans rules the roost with a comeback against Calicut Heroes
ALSO READ | PVL 2024: Player-cum-coach Max Senica says Indian players tend to be a lot more aggressive
The third set turned into a thrilling battle between Angamuthu and Santhosh. Both attackers led their teams with powerful strikes, keeping the score close. However, the Toofans managed to edge out the Defenders in this set thanks to a crucial contribution from Lazar Donic. Donic and Santhosh’s pair of ‘Super Serves’ disrupted the defending champions’ rhythm and ultimately helped the Toofans clinch the set.
With Nandhagopal out, Shon T John was brought in as a replacement for the Defenders. John’s impact was immediate. His effective blocks and well-placed sets boosted his teammates’ confidence. This surge of momentum allowed the Defenders to win the fourth set and force a decider.
The fifth set turned into a tense battle of attrition, stretching to 34 rallies. The Defenders initially thought they had secured the victory, but a desperate review by the Toofans extended the drama. Ultimately, the Ahmedabad-based team held its nerve and emerged victorious, putting an end to the Toofans’ seven-game winning streak.
This hard-fought win marked the Defenders’ first victory in the Super 5 stage of the season and kept their hopes alive in the tournament.
Source Agencies
