Karnataka women brushed aside a feeble Tamil Nadu challenge to emerge a 3-0 winner on the third day of the 15th Senior South Zone volleyball championships at the Sri Durga Parameshwari grounds here on Friday.

The 25-14, 25-9, 25-21 victory came in just 56 minutes. Egged on by a huge crowd -- that turned out despite Thursday's gallery collapse -- the hosts put up a solid performance to come away unscathed.

The only collapse on the day was that of the Tamil Nadu women. Swetha N was the star of the day as the State attacker did some splendid job upfront. Tamil Nadu defence had no answer to her powerful smashes, and controlled well setter captain Shyla S Thomas, Karnataka women sailed smoothly. Libero Suma M Hegde was solid in defence, making fine retrievals.

The first set was over in a double quick time. After coming up with a fine block off a M Mahalakshmi smash, Ashwini's winner gave the hosts the first set.

Tamil Nadu surrendered meekly in the second set. The State women combined well and they served well to have the visiting team's defence in a spot. Suma then came up with some spectacular retrievals, while setter Shyla was in total control of the proceedings. Her clever drops caught the Tamil Nadu eves unawares. Mahalakshmi's effort was the lone bright for Tamil Nadu. The hosts took the second set in a mere 14 minutes. In the third, Tamil Nadu put up a better show and stayed within striking distance of their rivals. In fact, both teams were level at 13-all, but Karantaka's Swetha N - who was solid in defence -- came to the party with a couple of powerful spikes. Slowly and steadily, the State eves began to take charge of the proceedings. Though Karnataka spikers committed a few unforced errors towards the end, it never altered the script.

A little later, Karnataka men overcame Tamil Nadu 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 for their third straight win in the league.
Results: Men: Karnataka bt Tamil Nadu 25-23, 25-16, 25-22; Kerala bt Andhra 25-18, 29-27, 25-23.
Women: Karnataka bt Tamil Nadu 25-14, 25-9, 25-21; Kerala bt Puducherry 25-5, 25-8, 25-12.