Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club set up the Aadhi Aabadhi Women’s Volleyball League title clash with Chitwan Tigress with a straight sets win over New Diamond Academy in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Held at the covered hall in Tripureswor, APF beat New Diamond 25-22, 26-24, 25-23. New Diamond’s performance revolved around Pratibha Mali while APF team boasted numbers of Nepali internationals. New Diamond appeared to be cruising with a 8-2 in the first set before pegged back at 9-9. The set went neck-to-neck until 18-18 before APF sealed the set.

The second set was also a close affair and the two teams were locked at 13-13. But APF reeled off with seven successive points to lead 17-13. New Diamond though fought their way back to go level on 20-20 only to lose the set 26-24. APF were appeared cantering to victory after leading 8-3 early on before extending it to 18-9 at one point. However, New Diamond gave yet another fright to the departmental teams pulling to within one points of APF at 24-23 but again lost the set 25-23 and eventually the match.

New Diamond coach Kumar Rai believed his side were too much reliant on star spiker Mali. “We failed to capitalise on the early momentum to seal the set,” said Rai adding that his team was below par in defence. His APF counterpart Gyanendra Bista lauded the opponents, especially Mali for her outstanding display. “The outcome could have been different had Mali got good support,” said Bista whose team have won all four tournaments they have participated this season. “Take Mali out of the New Diamond and would be languishing in fifth or sixth position,” said Bista when asked on the impact of Mali.

APF claimed the NVA League, Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial, Sabhamukh Cup (Rolpa) and Teej Mahotsav Cup (Lamachaur) coming into this tournament. “We have played in three finals against New Diamond this year and defeated them on all three times. We crossed the path in the semi-final today but as usual they put on a valiant effort,” said Bista adding that his side was sort of ideas in the early exchanges.

In the first semi-final of the day, Chitwan Tigress, who fielded three American nationals, thumped Nepal Police Club 25-11, 25-14, 25-23. The final and the third place playoff matches will be played on Wednesday.