Chennai Rockstars lifts inaugural cup of Tamil Nadu Volleyball League, Cuddalore With Us ends runners-up
In a jaw-dropping final match, Chennai Rockstars thwarted Cuddalore With Us in three straight sets to lift the inaugural title of the Tamil Nadu Volleyball League (TNVL) 2024 on Friday, January 12, at the Santhome Higher Secondary School in Mylapore, Chennai.
On the eve of the final, Chennai middle blocker Srajan Shetty told the official broadcasters that the team learned its mistakes from the very first match of the tournament played against Cuddalore. They kept coordination high and each player chipped in to ensure no room of complacency was offered once they were ahead with the lead.
The first set was intensely fought with both teams going neck and neck with each other. When Chennai was leading at 17-15, an Ashwin Raj spike earned Cuddalore two points (super point) to level the scores. Raman Kumar was quick enough to respond as the hosts activated the super point and restored the lead. Santhosh S and Srajan picked a point each to wrap the first set.
The hope for Cuddalore wasn't over given that they won four of their five league matches after dropping the first set. But the relentless Chennai attack led by Santhosh, Raman, and Jobin Varghese ensured the opposition never had the edge over them. Chennai picked up four straight points to widen the lead to 16-12 after both teams were involved in a tussle for each point.
Even though Cuddalore displayed resolute late in the third set, the Chennai outfit banked on Srajan's searing spikes and M Ukkra Pandian's blocks to take them to the finish line. Santhosh hit the winner as Cuddalore suffered its first defeat, harrowingly it was in the final.
A wrap of Tamil Nadu Volleyball League stats
Santhos S of Chennai Rockstars amassed the most points (125) in seven matches, including 108 attack points, 12 block points, and five serve points. Cuddalore skipper Jerome Vinith was placed second with a total of 120 points.
Santhosh also picked up the most attacking points while his teammate Prince finished the season with the most blocks (25). Virudhungar King Makers player Nandha Gopal S picked up 13 points from serves, which was the most for anyone in the six-team event.
Midhun Kumar B of Krishnagiri Bulls made the most number of digs (56) and Nandha Gopal had as many as 149 successful receives.