ISLAMABAD - Defending champions Wapda, PAF, Navy and Balochistan registered victories in their last group matches in the 49th National Volleyball Championship 2016, underway here at Liaqat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
In the first match of the day, Wapda outclassed Punjab 3-0. Punjab did showed some resistance in the first set and was almost at the tail of the champions, but after playing so well, they lost the first set 23-25. It was all Wapda in the second set, as champions won the second set 25-14 and took the third 25-11.
In the second match, PAF routed AJK 25-14, 25-14 and 25-14. Lack in experience and skill were the major reason behind AJK boys defeat. They failed to sustain the pressure of playing in the national event while on the other hand, PAF got full benefit of it and humbled them with straight sets victory.
Navy thumped Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) Wah 25-14, 25-17, 25-18 in the third match. POF played half-heartedly in the first set but fought hard in the second and third sets but Navy players were more agile and alert and picked serves and responded them with strong smashes in the gapes.
In the fourth and last match of the day, Balochistan defeated Sindh 3-1 with a score of 29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 25-21. Both Balochistan and Sindh demonstrated aggression in their serves and smashes, which generated excitement in the game, while Sindh players consumed all their energy, the Balochis saved their and defeated Sindh 3-1. The winners fought hard in the first set and took it at sudden death stage 29-27. Sindh fought hard in the second set which they lost by a narrow margin of 23-25. Sindh came back in the match winning the third set 25-15 but lost the next set 25-21 to score an impressive victory.
In last two match played on Friday night, Army defeated Police 25-18, 25-20 and, 25-16 and HEC beat Railways 25-21, 25-14 and 25-21.