Chennai, India: Season 1 champions, Kolkata Thunderbolts, showcased their prowess and determination in the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, clinching a hard-fought victory against the formidable Kochi Blue Spikers with a scoreline of 16-14, 15-13, 11-15, 15-5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Tuesday (27 February). Vinit Kumar’s stellar performance earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
Amit and Vinit spearheaded Kolkata’s early dominance with their powerful spikes, setting the tone for the match. Jan Krol and Aman Kumar led Kochi’s counter-attacks effectively, with Abhinav providing a formidable presence in the middle. However, Kolkata’s relentless pursuit of excellence, fueled by Vinit’s clinical attacks and Ashwal Kumar’s strategic plays, gradually tilted the balance in their favor. The Thunderbolts exhibited unwavering focus and determination, epitomizing their commitment to every point, with Ashwal Kumar emerging as a beacon of leadership.
Onur Cukur’s adept distribution of passes bolstered Kolkata’s offensive strategy, while Sudheer Shetty’s impeccable blocking frustrated Kochi’s attempts, resulting in crucial errors. Although Athos showcased glimpses of brilliance for Kochi, their failure to capitalize on opportunities to involve the Brazilian proved costly. Despite Abhinav’s commendable defensive efforts, Vinit’s relentless assault proved insurmountable for Kochi.
A resurgence from Kochi, spurred by George Antony and Sachin’s impactful contributions, momentarily threatened Kolkata’s lead. However, Cukur’s consistent performance, characterized by pivotal blocks and decisive serves, ensured Kolkata’s triumph in a fiercely contested battle. As the Thunderbolts clinched their first win of the season, fans can anticipate a surge in momentum for the team as they look ahead to their upcoming matches
