Hyderabad, Oct 20 (NationPress) The Mumbai Meteors triumphed over the Chennai Blitz with scores of 16-14, 11-15, 15-12, 21-19 during the Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, securing their place in the semifinals. Mathias Loftesnes earned the title of Player of the Match.

Chennai's setter Sameer quickly directed the ball to Jerome Vinith and Luiz Perotto for attacks, while Mumbai’s captain Amit Gulia launched strikes from the center. Despite Azizbek, the middle blocker for Chennai, providing strong defense, Amit consistently exploited openings. Mathias maintained pressure on the Blitz, and with Om Lad Vasant's timely block, Mumbai clinched the first set.

Tarun spearheaded Chennai's counter-attacks, but their outstanding defense made it challenging for the Meteors. A decisive block by Suraj Chaudhary on Amit shifted momentum, while Perotto's exceptional serve applied pressure on Mumbai. Despite an impressive response from Mumbai, Chennai managed to equalize.

Chennai’s libero T. Srikanth captivated the audience with his remarkable defensive skills. Karthik, the blocker, reinstated stability to Mumbai's defense, while Petter Ostvik's versatile contributions bolstered their efforts. Despite facing pressure from Perotto’s serves, the Meteors kept their cool, with Loftesnes spearheading an attack that regained Mumbai's lead.

In the fourth set, crucial reviews favored Mumbai, solidifying their advantage. Perotto and Jerome led Chennai's resurgence, but a pivotal block by Karthik and Shubham on Tarun secured an essential point for the Meteors. The marathon set concluded with Shubham's powerful spike, sealing a 3-1 victory for Mumbai.

Kolkata Thunderbolts also celebrated victory earlier that day, overcoming the Hyderabad Black Hawks 15-9, 15-13, 9-15, 15-13 in the Prime Volleyball League at the same venue. Pankaj Sharma was awarded Player of the Match. This victory propelled the Thunderbolts to 6th place with 9 points.

The Hawks initiated play with setter Preet Karan distributing passes between Sahil Kumar and Yudi Yamamoto, challenging Kolkata's defense. Pankaj Sharma effectively teamed up with Muhammad Iqbal to thwart Hyderabad's advances.

The Thunderbolts functioned like a well-oiled machine defensively, denying the Hawks significant opportunities. A misfired spike from Yudi cost the hosts a super point, allowing Kolkata to take the lead.

Jithin orchestrated Kolkata's tactical plays, empowering Ashwal Rai and Matin Takavar to execute successful attacks. Iqbal's strong defensive presence in the center enabled Kolkata to dominate.

Hyderabad adjusted their lineup, introducing John Joseph, Guru Prashanth, and Paulo Lamounier. A block from Paulo on Pankaj shifted momentum, energizing the home crowd. Niyas Abdul Salam found his rhythm, and John's block on Rahul secured a pivotal super point, enabling the Hawks to win the third set and stay in contention.

As the fourth set commenced, Lamounier set the pace for Hyderabad's offense. Pankaj and Ashwal executed effective cross-court attacks to alleviate pressure. Kolkata regained control, winning a crucial super point. A fierce spike from Rahul secured another vital point, and despite a missed shot from Shikar, the Thunderbolts celebrated a remarkable victory.