KOZHIKODE:Scripting history, Kerala women clinched the Beach Volleyball title, outplaying Andhra Pradesh 23-21, 21-19, here on Thursday. Like in the loser’s final, played by Kerala-2 and Tamil Nadu-1, the packed crowed cheered Kerala for every point.
The experienced pair, of Aswathi E and Shahana K A, took the first set against Thirumahalakshmi Rajan and Maheswari J in a neckand- neck fight. However, the spirited Andhra girls dominated the game in the second set, but Kerala managed to equalise at 17-17 and took a crucial lead. Earlier, Kerala- 2, the hosts’ secon team ,comprising Jisha P V and Sonia Sasi bagged bronze medal defeating Tamil Nadu’s Narmada and Hemamalini pair. Kerala Coach, Prajisha M K said, “We expected a final between both Kerala teams. Anyway, we played very well and outplayed the challenges of the strong team of Andhra Pradesh.” The players Aswathi and Shahana, also echoed that winning the title was a memorable occasion. Earlier, Andhra Pradesh beat Telangana 21- 18, 17-21 and 15-0 to clinch men’s title in beach volley.