Defending champions Kerala and Railways stormed into the semifinals in their respective men's and women's sections in the 62nd Senior National Volleyball Championship with contrasting victories here today.
Kerala toiled hard for a 3-2 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 19-25, 15-08) victory over Punjab in a men's quarterfinal match while Railways spanked Karnataka 3-0 (25-9, 25-18, 25-13).
Uttarakhand, Services and Tamil Nadu also booked quarterfinal berths in men's section while Haryana and Tamil Nadu also reached the last four stage in the women's category.
Tom Joseph attacked smartly to manage a comfortable win for Kerala in the first. Azzez then blocked superbly in second set to give Kerala a 2-0 lead.
But, Punjab made an impressive comeback by winning the next two sets as former Indian captain Gurinder attacked exceptionally well and took the match to the decider.
Azeej, however, made the difference by his jump serves as Kerala wrapped up the match.
Kerala now take on Uttarakhand, who defeated Haryana 3-1 in today's another match, in the semifinal encounter.
In the other semifinal, Services, who thrashed Railways 3-0, play Tamil Nadu, the 3-0 victors over Rajasthan.
In the women's section, Railways women dictated term over Karnataka with fine performances from Priyanka Bohra, Terrin and Minimol in a one-sided quarterfinal match.
