In a showcase of sheer dominance, the Kolkata Thunderbolts triumphed over the Hyderabad Black Hawks in a resounding victory during the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League, hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. With a stellar performance, they secured a convincing win with set scores of 15-8, 15-8, 11-15, and a thrilling 20-18, showcasing their prowess on the court. Vinit Kumar’s exceptional display earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
The match commenced with a fierce exchange as Stefan Kovacevic unleashed his prowess from the middle for Hyderabad. However, Kolkata’s Vinit Kumar quickly turned the tide with a barrage of aggressive serves, disrupting the Black Hawks’ defensive line. Guided by the precise passing of Onur Cukur, the Thunderbolts swiftly seized control of the game. Ashwal Rai’s strategic contributions further bolstered Kolkata’s lead, while Hemanth and Stefan fought valiantly to uphold Hyderabad’s defense.
As the game progressed, David Kisiel emerged as a pivotal figure for the Thunderbolts, making significant impacts both in attack and defense. His standout performance, coupled with Vinit’s exceptional serves, propelled Kolkata into a commanding position. Leading by example, captain Ashwal Rai exhibited exceptional defensive prowess, tallying an impressive seven blocks throughout the match, thereby intensifying the pressure on Hyderabad.
Kisiel and his longtime compatriot, Onur Cukur, formed a formidable duo, demonstrating aggression and cohesion that consistently kept Kolkata in the lead. Despite Hyderabad’s concerted efforts to stage a comeback, Amit’s contributions and Ashwal’s relentless play from the middle ensured Kolkata maintained their advantage. While Prince’s imposing blocks posed a challenge, Hyderabad’s unforced errors ultimately proved costly, allowing the Thunderbolts to secure a well-deserved victory and continue their march towards success in the tournament.
