Sports
Tigress stun APF to claim title
Chitwan Tigress pulled high-flying Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club down to earth with straight set victory over the departmental giants in the Aadhi Aabadi Women’s Volleyball League title showdown on WednesdayChitwan Tigress pulled high-flying Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club down to earth with straight set victory over the departmental giants in the Aadhi Aabadi Women’s Volleyball League title showdown on Wednesday.
Chitwan Tigress, who fielded three American spikers, inflicted a demoralising 25-20, 25-17, 25-11 defeat on APF. Before Wednesday’s final APF had never tasted defeat in the title clash this season. APF had earlier won the NVA League, Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial Championship, Sabhamukh Cup and Teej Mahotsav Cup.
The American players used the towering physique to dominate the APF with powerful spikes and blocks in the first franchise-based volleyball tournament of the country. APF coach Gyanendra Bista believed the psyche of his players played a major part in the defeat. “Our players came into match with defeated mentality which barred them from giving their best shot,” said Bista. “We did everything to prepare for the final but the confidence deserted our team. Bista also credited the Tigress’ victory to the foreigner players. He was however happy that his team got ‘valuable’ experience playing against the foreign players.
Tigress American coach Cory Solomon lauded the class of Nepal spikers despite his fellow Americans players outplaying the local stars. “The level of Nepali players is really good. What they lack is constant exposure of playing against tough opponents. That is only how you can improve your game,” said the coach. He also believed that the three US players exploited their superior physical advantage to the fullest. Solomon informed that all three Americans were the University players and have played professional games in Europe including Germany, Finland and Hungary.
APF, studded with six national players in the playing set including captain Binita Budathoki, put some fight early in the first set to coming within one point of their opponents at 10-9. They however lost the set 25-20 after playing catch-up game all the while. In the second set, APF were neck-to-neck until the middle of the set with scores level at 13-13. But the Tigress won four straight points to take 17-14 lead and went on to win 25-17. APF then gave up on their fight losing the third set 25-11.
Tigress’ one of the American recruits Jocelynn Birks lauded Nepali defence. “I was really impressed with their ball-control skills, defence and service. We came into match with game plan and executed it which made easier for us. It was really good experience playing with the Nepali girls,” said Birks who stands 6’2’’ tall. New Diamond Academy won the third-place playoff defeating Nepal Police Club 25-18, 25-21, 25-19.
Tigress received Rs 600,000, the highest cash prize in offer in Nepali volleyball. Runners-up APF walked away with Rs 300,000. Third-placed New Diamond earned Rs 150,000 and NPC got Rs 50,000. Tigress’ setter Aruna Shahi was declared best-player-of-the-tournament. She rode home a two wheeler in addition to Rs 50,000 in cash reward.
Nepal Volleyball Associa-tion and Aadhi Aabadi Foundation, a non-government organisation based in New Delhi, had jointly organised the six-team tournament.