Kochi bows out of PVL after another thriller

Hyderabad: The Kochi Blue Spikers could have won the 1st set, they didn't, they could have won the 2nd set, they didn't, and they succumbed to pressure in the decider and helped Kolkata to earn a semi-final berth without waiting for the last game.

If Kochi had won, the tournament could generate more interest, but the Spikers simply blasted their chances not just in this match but all the 3-2 defeats they suffered. Before they play their last game, the Blue Spikers were eliminated.

The Ahmedabad Defenders won (15-14, 15-14, 11-15, 14-15, 15-10) in yet another hard fought game at the Prime Volleyball League championship at GMC Balayogi Stadium here on Tuesday. Shon.T.John of Ahmedabad Defenders was the player of the match.

He was superb and displayed an aggressive style in the first two games, helping his team to win it narrowly. It was Manoj who made all the difference in the latter stages of the match and ensured a comfortable win in the last set. The Blue Spikers failed repeatedly to mark Manoj, as he was always free to quick jump on short lifts to win points at will.

Blue Spikers again depended largely on Cody and whenever he makes mistakes the team had to pay for it. Erin Varghese was denied chances to spike even from good positions and Abdul Raheem and the skipper Karthik were completely off colour in the match.

Their first pass and Libero's again let their team down, while the Defenders' first pass and their Libero was superb. Surprisingly, the Blue Spikers never fielded their second foreign recruit, Colton. At least in the final set, as they trailed, Colton's presence could have to make a difference. The Blue Spikers will definitely want to make a mark by beating the Thunderbolts in style today to finish ahead of Chennai in the table.