Wapda clinch volleyball series

LAHORE: National champions Wapda defeated Navy in a thrilling last match 3-2 to clinch the seven match series at the City Park ground Dera Ghazi Khan on Sunday. They beat Navy with scores of 22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 18-16. According to information available here the Sailors who played extremely well in all four sets panicked in the decisive set while Wapda’s players composed themselves. Younis, Waseem, Asif, Farooq and Mohib led their side brilliantly smashing and effectively blocking attacks of their opponents, particularly in the last set. Efforts of Mubashir, Khalid and Abuzr were wasted as their colleagues failed to support them in the decisive set.

Both teams entered the court amid thunderous applaud from the spectators for whom it was a life time opportunity to see their heroes in action. They appreciated the players who amused them with their hard smashes and blocking. Having won three matches each in the series both teams were conscious of avoiding their mistakes and fought hard which made the last match the most thrilling of the series.

Abuzr, Khalid and Mubashir led Navy to take an early lead in the first but Wapda’s Asif and Waseem produced some brilliant smashes to level the score. Abuzr used his rich experience and smashed in the wide gaps created by Wapda players. Mubashir and Khalid smashed hard to earn points for the Sailors. Navy’s defense crippled in the second set amid aggressive game by Wapda players who fought hard to win. Mubashir once again smashed hard in the third and set. He was ably supported by Abuzar and Aamir. Particularly, Aamir and Asif effectively blocked smashes from Wapda players. Mubashir Raza of Navy was declared as the best player of the series who received a cash prize of Rs. 15, 000. Wapda’s Waseem was declared Man of the Match and Nasir was declared as the best Libro. They both received a cash prize of Rs. 5000 each. At close Pakistan Volleyball Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob gave away trophies to the captains of both teams.