Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) prevailed over South Western Railway (SWR) 19-25, 25-13, 25-22, 19-25, 18-16 for their first win in the 19th State ‘A’ Division volleyball championship at the Sree Kanteerava stadium on Saturday.

 SWR remained on four points from as many ties. The match, as the scoreline suggests, was a closely-fought one with LIC showing great fighting spirit to overcome a strong SWR challenge.

Christy was in superb form as he struck some good smashes along with Imtiaz as SWR took the first set. LIC retaliated to win the second set riding on Sree Shekar and Vikram’s efforts at the net.

LIC then forged ahead with Nakul and Avinash Shetty coming up with some deft drop shots and incisive smashes in the third set.

SWR suffered a setback in the fourth as Sagar suffered a knee injury while attempting a smash with his team leading 18-14. Basic first aid was given before an ambulance arrived about 45 minutes later to take the player to HOSMAT.

Despite the blow, SWR pushed forward strongly and claimed the set with Vinod, Christy and captain Somnath Girigowda combining to a nicety.

The decider saw LIC firing on all cylinders. Vikram and Shekar fetched some crucial points for LIC as they came out triumphant 18-16.

In the other ‘A’ Division match, Sports Hostel defeated ITI 25-20, 15-25, 25-17, 25-23.
Results: ‘A’ Division: LIC bt SWR 19-25, 25-13, 25-22, 19-25, 18-16; Sports Hostel bt ITI 25-20, 15-25, 25-17, 25-23.

‘B’ Division: Merchants Social Club (MSC) bt Kudlige 25-18, 25-8, 25-19.