Relentless torpedoes

Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium: Bengaluru Torpedoes returned to winning ways in the third season of the Prime Volleyball League (PVL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Friday, picking up a thrilling 12-15, 16-14, 15-13, 13-15, 16-5 win over the Kochi Blue Spikers.

Player of the Match Thomas Heptinstall's spikes from the right helped Bengaluru early on, but Erin Athos Ferreira and Krol Jan helped Kochi get ahead with solid play from the middle. Erin Varghese remained the biggest threat to the Torpedoes' defence, but Srajan and Mujeeb's blocking kept the game in balance. A crucial block from Athos pushed the Blues in front.

The unforced errors crept up on the Torpedoes, hurting their momentum. Heptinstall and Srajan's two-man block turned the switch on for Bengaluru. Abhinav fired up Kochi again with sensational showing from the middle with the attack, but Bengaluru employed a three-man block and brought themselves back to level terms.