Kolkata Thunderbolts cruise to semi-finals, beat Chennai Blitz

The Kolkata Thunderbolts secured their place in the semi-finals of the second season of the Prime Volleyball League with a dominant 15-12, 15-9, 15-14, 15-13, 10-15 victory over the Chennai Blitz at the Regional Sports Centre in Kochi. The defending champions displayed a stellar performance, led by the Universal player Vinit Kumar, who was awarded the player of the match title.

From the outset, Kolkata's defense was impenetrable and effortlessly placed pressure on Chennai. Vinit's powerful spikes immediately troubled the Blitz's defense, while the duo of blocker Jose Verdi and hitter Cody Caldwell worked together in the middle to successfully block Jobin Varghese's spike, establishing a significant lead. Janshad's skillful ball-setting skills and Vinit's unwavering strength resulted in the Thunderbolts' overall domination of the game.

As the match progressed, Vinit's impressive display continued to thwart Moyo's spike, further cementing Kolkata's hold on the game. A crucial point was awarded to the defending champions due to a well-timed review by Cody. Defensive errors from Chennai Blitz further contributed to their struggle, while Abhilash Chaudhary's remarkable performance added an extra flair to Kolkata's already potent attacks.

The formidable pairing of Janshad and Vinit continued to trouble Chennai's defense, while Abhilash's exceptional blocking skills further enabled the Thunderbolts in tackling Jobin's attacks. Ultimately, a combination play initiated by Cody put an end to Chennai's resistance, securing an easy win for the Thunderbolts and solidifying their position in the semi-finals.