Prime Volleyball League: Kolkata Thunderbolts beat Hyderabad Black Hawks 4-1 – Highlights
PVL 2023: Kolkata Thunderbolts missed out on a bonus point but it was a commanding win to go to the top of the points table with 4 points from 2 matches.
PVL: Defending champions Kolkata Thunderbolts dominated last year's semifinalists Hyderabad Black Hawks on Wednesday, winning 4-1 to go to the top of the PVL points table with two wins in a row.
The Thunderbolt won the first set 15-13 to take a 1-0 lead. They then swat away a fightback by taking the second set 15-6 to go 2-0 up and then went from strength to strength to take the third set 15-9. They went close to a bonus point by racing to a 4-0 lead but lost the fifth set.
As it happened:
The Thunderbolts would not be happy with the way this match ends, they lose out on the bonus point after working hard to get o a 4-0 lead.
The final set goes as a consolation to the Hyderabad Black Hawks.
Some drop in intensity as Kolkata concede a four-point deficit at 6-10 down in the 5th set for the first time in this match. The pressure is on them to get to their 5-0 win.
KOL 7-10 HYD
Kolkata run away to a 15-12 win in the fourth set. They are closing in on the bonus point now!
'Ive seen volleyball for 20 years, and I have never seen that!' - says the commentators as a smash into the Thunderbolts half catches the top of the tape and breaks an antenna. Kolkata get the point despite the ball landing in their half.
KOL 9-8 HYD in 4th set
Another easy set. Deepesh brings up 8 match points with another perfect serve. And a walk in the park it is, they take the 3rd set 15-9. They have won the match, but the match goes on for two more sets to see if Kolkata can take the bonus point.
Kolkata lose their only challenge in the third set. Could this be a sign of them losing their focus? No, Cody Caldwell and Deepesh the stars of the third set so far as Kolkata continue leading.
KOL 8-5 HYD
No effort for Kolkata Thunderbolts in the second set, they take it 15-6. They lead 15-13, 15-6 to get a 2-0 lead. Will they end Hyderabad's misery in the third set or can there be a fightback?
Hyderabad lose their way in the second set after a timeout. They try to get a super point to throw Kolkata off their game, but it doesn't work. Kolkata bring up a series of set points.
KOL 14-6 HYD in 2nd set
The second set begins with an unforced error by Kolkata as a smash goes wide off court, but Ashwal and Vinit combine to get them back in the lead in the second set.
KOL 6-3 HYD
Guru fails to get his serve across with all the pressure on Hyderabad and it's a tame finish to a fighting set. Kolkata take the first set 15-13.