In a must-win game, Chennai Spartans delivered an outstanding performance to beat Ahmedabad Defenders comprehensively by 4-1 (15-6, 13-15, 15-13, 15-11, 15-12).
With this, Chennai Spartans reach semifinals of the Pro Volleyball League at Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Sunday evening.
The main players in Chennai’s victory were Canadian Rudy Verhoeff (20 points), vice-captain Naveen Raja Jacob (17 points) and Latvian Ruslans Sorokins (17).
By winning the 4th set the @chennaispartans took home the points and sealed the match. #ThrillKaCall #RuPayPVL
Catch all the action on Sony Ten 3, Sony Six and Sony LIV@SPNSportsIndia @SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/5oNf73eOn9
— Pro Volleyball (@ProVolleyballIN) February 17, 2019
Also Read: Current Standings & Performance at Pro Volleyball League 2019
PVL 2019: Chennai Spartans vs Ahmedabad Defenders
Chennai won the first set 15-6. Naveen Raja and Rudy Verhoeff were brilliant scoring five and four points respectively. In the second set, the Gujarat side took a 4 point lead and even after Chennai’s late resurgence, Ahmedabad won the set 15-13.
The two teams were neck to neck in the third round. After a lot of drama in the set, Chennai Spartans got the much-needed lead of two points to Ahmedabad’s 13. Later, in a must-win fourth set, Spartans upped the ante, winning the set 15-11 and sealing its place in the semifinals. The last set was just formality. Chennai defeated Ahmedabad again by 15-12.
Team Effort by Chennai Spartans
“We did it!”
The players and coach of @chennaispartans are delighted after securing their place in the semis!#VandhutomnuSollu#ThrillKaCall #RuPayPVL pic.twitter.com/4mC8IiMxik
— Pro Volleyball (@ProVolleyballIN) February 17, 2019
“It was a team effort. On Saturday, we were very disappointed to have lost against U Mumba. But today, we showed what this team is capable of and Rudy brought his experience to the fore and scripted a fine win,” said Chennai coach MH Kumara.
Captain Shelton Moses felt playing the semifinals at home will be a big boost. “The crowd has been backing us and it gives us that extra motivation to go out there and do well in the semis stage of the tournament,” he said.
Rudy, who has been Chennai’s consistent match winner, said, “It is great to be doing well and helping in the team’s cause. I am happy with the faith shown by the team management,” said Rudy after the match.
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