HEROES EDGE HAWKS TO BOOK A PLAYOFF BERTH

Kochi, Feb. 10: Calicut Heroes confirmed their place in the playoffs with a 3- 2 ( 15- 11, 15- 11,15- 7, 12- 15, 11- 15) win over Black Hawks Hyderabad in the Pro Volleyball League.

Ajith Lal was again in scintillating form as he scored 19 points ( 15 spikes, 4 serves) for Heroes. For Hyderabad, Ashwal Rai put in a valiant effort with 9 points ( 6 spikes and 3 blocks).

Ajith became the first player to score half century of spike points with 53 to his name.

After initial exchanges, it looked like Calicut will run away with the set as they went into a 4- 2 lead but Hyderabad soon levelled the scores with a block and a spike by Guramritpal Singh and skipper Carson Clark.

Ajith Lal joined the party and helped Calicut take a lead of 8- 5 entering the first Technical Time Out ( TTO) with two spikes and a Super Serve. Post TTO, Hyderabad scored three consecutive points to level the score at 8- 8 and with a spike from Raison Rebello went ahead for the first time in the set.