In a high-voltage showdown at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, Goa Guardians pulled off a stunning comeback to register their first victory of the Prime Volleyball League 2025. Facing the formidable Ahmedabad Defenders, Goa held their nerve in a back-and-forth five-set thriller, clinching the match 13-15, 15-11, 9-15, 18-16, 19-17.
The match had everything—drama, tension, momentum swings, and standout performances. From the very first serve, both teams traded blows, with super serves, video reviews, and rapid-fire spikes dominating the opening minutes. Ahmedabad, led by the attacking trio of Angamuthu, Shon T, and Batsuuri, looked dangerous early on, while Muthusamy Appavu set the tone with slick plays from the backcourt.
Goa’s captain Chirag Yadav marshaled his squad with intensity, while foreign imports Jeffrey Menzel and Nathaniel Dickinson powered the offense with sharp spikes and smart shot placement. Defensive stalwart Prince made a major impact at the net with commanding blocks, frustrating Ahmedabad’s front line.
Despite dropping the third set, Goa rallied in the fourth with back-to-back clutch plays, particularly from Menzel, who refused to let the game slip away. The fifth and final set brought peak intensity. Batsuuri’s super serve seemed to tilt the game in Ahmedabad’s favour, but Goa responded with a game-changing super point. Then, Dickinson and Menzel turned up the pressure, with the latter sealing the match with a powerful spike to complete an unforgettable comeback.
Rohit Yadav, whose steady hand and precise setting played a crucial role throughout the match, was deservingly named Player of the Match. For Goa Guardians, the win marks a turning point in their campaign, after two heartbreaking five-set losses earlier in the season.
This victory not only puts Goa on the points table but also sends a clear message: the Guardians are here to compete.
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