MOKOKCHUNG — Ozumi Volleyball Team emerged champions of the 16th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy after defeating MH10, in the final played here at Multi Sports Complex, on Friday.
Trailing 18-21 in the first set, MH10, with their strategic timeout, managed to level the score 21-21.
However, Ozumi Volleyball Team, known for their strong defense, took their own timeout to re-strategise. They opted for a block-out tactic, which proved effective, and they clinched the first set 26-24.
In the second set, Ozumi continued to apply pressure on MH10, but MH10 capitalised on an injury of a key attacker of Ozumi and went on to win the set 25-14.
In the third set, both the teams stepped set up their attacks, resulting in a 19-19 tie before timeout. MH10 ultimately secured the third set with a score of 25-22.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]In the fourth set, the pressure was on Ozumi as they led 9-7, prompting a timeout by MH10. In a thrilling turn of events, MH10 managed to level the score 24-24, forcing the set into a decisive fifth set, which ended 30-28, in favor of Ozumi.
In the deciding set, Ozumi finally emerged victorious with a final score of 15-13.
Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, who graced the closing ceremony as the chief patron, congratulated the teams for their dedication to reach the finals and hoped that more teams will participate in the future.
The player of the tournament was awarded to Reshitemjen of MH-10, best setter to Imnaakum of Ozumi Volleyball Team, while the best spiker title went to Wanglem of Ozumi.
Chienino Brothers of Kiruphema were declared the hardline winner of the memorial trophy. They beat Peren District Volleyball Association in straight sets 20-25, 20-5.
Altogether, 19 teams from different districts participated in the trophy.
Also read: Autumn Cup: All Blacks, Lengai FC advance