MANDYA (KARNATAKA), MARCH 31: Karnataka staved off a spirited challenge from Uttar Pradesh to maintain its winning streak in the National Volleyball League (Group-I) today and stormed into the super league.The hosts won their fourth successive match in straight sets 25-14, 25-22, 25-16 in about 45 minutes. They will meet holders Punjab in their last league encounter.In another inconsequential match, Himachal Pradesh defeated Madhya Pradesh 25-14, 25-23, 25-22, in 52 minutes. While Madhya Pradesh have lost all four matches, HP tasted their first success. Indian Railways and Tamil Nadu women have already made it to the super league).Uttar Pradesh, who had fought gallantly against Punjab and runners up Indian Railways, played well but were a shadow of themselves. UP, who have to play Madhya Pradesh, will have a chance if Railways upset Punjab.Karnataka, who have been playing superbly in the tournament, ran to an early lead and won the first set at 25-14.UP looked like pulling one back as they wereleading in the beginning of the second set. Karnataka tightened their game and effectively blocked the opponent smashes to win 25-22.In the third, Karnataka faced little resistance and won 25-16.For Karnataka, Ravindra, Prakash Rao, Damodar and J C Sroeshekar and for losers Avinash Yadav, Abhijit Bhattacharrya and Shiv Naresan played well.Tamil Nadu women quelled a strong challenge from hosts Karnataka for their second successive victory in the National Volleyball League (Group I) to book a berth in the superleague along with champions Indian Railways.Tamil Nadu, who had toyed with Karnataka youth in the earlier match, faced stiff resistance from Karnataka before prevailing 25-12, 16-25, 27-25, 25-18.
