Rajasthan in pre-quarterfinals in Volleyball Nationals

Moradabad, Dec 26:
Rajasthan today advanced to the men’s pre-quarterfinals of the 62nd Senior National Volleyball Championship after a 3-1 victory over hosts Uttar Pradesh here.
Rajasthan emerged 25-17, 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 victorious over the home team on day six of the championship.
In the women’s section, Punjab made their way to the pre-quarterfinals after hammering Himachal Pradesh 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-12).
Karnataka women also progressed to the last 16 stage after thrashing Andhra Pradesh 3-0 (26-24, 25-14, 25-18).
In the men’s section match, Rajasthan drew first blood with Indian team outside hitter Dilip Khoiwal producing some fine attacking play.
The second set was neck-and-neck affair as local player Rahul and former international Omveer leading the Uttar Pradesh resistance. At the later stage of the second set, Rajasthan, however, managed to march ahead with Dilip Khoiwal coming up with two energetic attacks.
Uttar Pradesh bounced back by winning the third set, with Rahul and Omveer ruling the roost in attacking play and libero Mushir delivering accurate first passes to them.
Rajasthan, however, wrapped up the match by winning the fourth set with Lovemeet stealing the show with fine attacks and blocks.
In the women’s match, Punjab dictated terms on Himachal and captain Seema and Lovepreet attacked energetically to take the first set easily. Anamika Chaudhary ruled the roost in second set by getting 10 scoring attacks for Punjab.
In the third set again, Lovpreet displayed an attacking game for Punjab to warp up the match. (PTI)