ASC get the better of Sappers

Proficient Army Service Corps (ASC) defeated Madras Engineers Group (MEG) 25-20, 25-13, 23-25, 26-24 in their Group D match of 19th State ‘A’ Division volleyball championship at the Sree Kanteerava stadium here on Thursday.

With their second win from as many games in the second phase, ASC are on six points.

Meanwhile, BSNL outclassed ITI Sports Club 25-19, 25-20, 25-22 in the second match of the day to become the first team to qualify for the semifinals from Group C. BSNL have eight points from three matches while ITI are yet to open their account after losing their opening match of the second phase.

MEG and ASC were tied at 13-13 before ASC carved a small opening at 16-13 which they improved for a five-point lead at 20-15. ASC closed out the set 25-20.

In the second set, ASC were unstoppable as they galloped to a 16-10 lead before claiming the set 25-13 for a 2-0 lead.

Couple of potent smashes from Arul Selvan helped MEG take the lead in the third set at 7-4. Bipin N and Dibin also notched up a few point-winning smashes as MEG swelled their lead to 18-11. ASC, however, bounced back. Swamy and Saneesh helping them level scores at 23-23 with their clever drop shots and irretrievable smashes. But, MEG held their own at the crucial juncture to claim the set 25-23.

The fourth set was a neck-to-neck affair with fortunes changing every minute. With the teams tied at 23-23, ASC’s Saneesh came to the fore, cracking couple of fine smashes to win the game for his team at 26-24.

Results: ‘A’ Division: ASC bt MEG 25-20, 25-13, 23-25, 26-24; BSNL bt ITI Sports Club 25-19, 25-20, 25-22.