Lucknow, Ekana Indoor Stadium: Bengaluru Thunders swept Lucknow 3-0 in the fifth match of WPVL Season 1, winning all three sets and booking their place in the next round. The hall was loud from the first serve to the last, with big spikes, sharp defence and long rallies that kept the crowd on its feet. Both sides played with real fight, but Bengaluru held their nerve when it mattered and deserved the win.
Set 1: Bengaluru edge a tight opener (21-19)
The first set was a proper contest. Lucknow pushed hard with their attacking combinations and well-organised defence, and the points traded back and forth. Bengaluru stayed calm in the closing stages, and Anega Radhakrishnan was the difference. Her powerful hits left the Lucknow defence scrambling, and the crowd cheered every one of them. Bengaluru took the set 21-19.
Set 2: Jesna leads from the front (21-13)
Bengaluru carried that momentum into the second set and never let go. They balanced attack and defence well, and Jesna was central to it, mixing solid defending with effective attacks. Lucknow tried to fight back but could not break Bengaluru’s rhythm. The visitors closed out the set comfortably, 21-13.
Set 3: Saathi Das wins the crowd (21-15)
The third set was the most exciting of the match. Two sets down, Lucknow came back with fresh energy and fought for every point, producing some superb rallies. The moment of the match came from Lucknow libero Saathi Das, who dived and rolled across the floor to save a ball that looked lost. The crowd rose to applaud her courage and never-say-die attitude.
Bengaluru stayed composed through the closing stages, converted their chances and took the set 21-15 to complete the 3-0 win. The stadium applauded both teams, and especially Anega Radhakrishnan and Jesna Shine for Bengaluru.
Stars of the match
Anega impressed with her attacking power, while Jesna contributed at both ends of the court. Both were loudly cheered by the fans, and their efforts were central to Bengaluru’s dominant display.
Bhumi Goyal named Player of the Series
Bengaluru Thunders’ Bhumi Goyal was honoured with the Player of the Series award in recognition of her performances through the tournament, adding one more highlight to Bengaluru’s strong campaign.
Ceremony and guests
The event was organised by Mrs. Reeti Shahi, Member of the State Women Commission, whose initiative and leadership made it possible. Chief guests Vinod Kumar Shahi, Advocate General of the State Government, and Himanshu Singh, Director of Universal, presented trophies, prizes and awards to the winning and runner-up teams. The players were felicitated for their hard work and sportsmanship, and the ceremony ended in a festive mood.
From Anega’s power hitting to Jesna’s all-round play and Saathi Das’s remarkable save, the match had no shortage of memorable moments. Bengaluru Thunders celebrated a well-earned victory, while Lucknow won plenty of respect for their spirit, especially in the third set.
The match was another reminder of how fast women’s volleyball is growing, and of what teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship can achieve. Bengaluru marched ahead with confidence, and the fans went home with memories of a thrilling evening of volleyball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
