The Bengaluru Torpedoes once again showcased their fighting spirit in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, pulling off a remarkable comeback to defeat Kolkata Thunderbolts 11-15, 15-13, 15-11, 15-11 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
The thrilling four-set encounter was a perfect display of momentum shifts, defensive resilience, and attacking intent. Bengaluru’s Joel Benjamin was adjudged the Player of the Match for his explosive all-round display that turned the tide in the Torpedoes’ favour.
The opening set saw the Kolkata Thunderbolts stamp their authority early. Their captain Ashwal Rai, starting on the right side of the court, immediately made an impact with his blocks and net presence. Alongside Iranian star Matin Takavar, Ashwal formed an imposing two-man block line that forced Bengaluru into early errors. Bengaluru’s attack, usually fluid through Sethu and Jalen Penrose, was unsettled by Kolkata’s deep defensive structure. Every spike seemed to meet a well-timed block or a strong dig, and the Torpedoes struggled to find open spaces.
Kolkata’s intensity grew with Matin’s thunderous super serve that left Bengaluru’s backline scrambling. Setter Matt West, noticing the pressure on his attackers, attempted to rotate options, but unforced errors kept the Torpedoes trailing. Kolkata capitalized on the momentum, sealing the first set 15-11 with confident finishing and disciplined coverage.
Torpedoes Find Their Rhythm
Having lost the opening set, Bengaluru needed to rediscover their rhythm and that’s exactly what they did. The second set began with Jalen Penrose and Sethu taking charge of the attack. Their aggressive spikes began to penetrate the Kolkata block, forcing defensive gaps.
A pivotal moment arrived when Kolkata called for a super point, aiming to extend their lead. However, Joel Benjamin’s fiery spike from the left flank turned the call on its head, earning Bengaluru two crucial points instead. That swing in momentum energized the Torpedoes, who began to look more cohesive in both attack and defence.
Coach David Lee, a two-time Olympic medallist, urged his men to maintain pressure on serve and limit Kolkata’s quick transitions. His tactical adjustments pushing Mujeeb slightly higher on the block and rotating Penrose into the front row more often paid off.
The set turned into a tight contest, but Bengaluru’s improved composure saw them edge out Kolkata 15-13, levelling the match at one set apiece.
Joel Benjamin Takes Command
With the match tied, the third set was always going to be decisive. Bengaluru, now brimming with confidence, began dictating the pace of play. Joel Benjamin found his rhythm, combining raw power with clever placement to breach Kolkata’s defensive lines repeatedly. Kolkata’s Suryansh Tomar tried to reignite his side’s attack with high-flying smashes, but Bengaluru’s defence, led by Mujeeb, stood firm. The Torpedoes’ middle blocker timed his jumps perfectly to deny Matin and Pankaj Sharma at the net.
The turning point of the third set came when Bengaluru won back-to-back super points, thanks to Mujeeb’s reflex block and Penrose’s booming serve. Those four points broke Kolkata’s resistance, as the Torpedoes closed the set 15-11. The energy in the Bengaluru camp was palpable the defending side had finally found their top gear.
The fourth set began with both teams trading points, neither willing to concede ground. Kolkata, driven by Ashwal Rai’s leadership and Pankaj Sharma’s experience, tried to push the game into a decider. But Bengaluru’s attacking trio Penrose, Sethu, and Joel maintained relentless pressure.
Penrose, known for his explosive serving, delivered when it mattered most. His monster super serve deep into Kolkata’s backcourt earned the Torpedoes a vital two-point cushion late in the set. Joel continued to torment the Kolkata blockers, while Mujeeb and Rohit Kumar ensured that no easy spikes came through the middle. Kolkata’s captain Ashwal kept urging his men on, but fatigue and frustration began to creep in. Despite their best efforts, Kolkata couldn’t match Bengaluru’s energy in the closing phase. The Torpedoes closed out the fourth set 15-11, completing another come-from-behind victory in style.
The final score 11-15, 15-13, 15-11, 15-11 reflected the Torpedoes’ resilience and tactical evolution as the match progressed.
Joel Benjamin’s performance was the difference-maker. His ability to rise under pressure, execute critical spikes during super points, and sustain intensity across four sets defined the contest. With Penrose and Sethu providing strong support, Joel’s consistency was the backbone of Bengaluru’s turnaround. His recognition as Player of the Match came as no surprise he embodied the team’s fighting spirit and tactical sharpness throughout the encounter.
Despite the defeat, Kolkata Thunderbolts had several positives to take away. Their first-set dominance showcased their structured play and defensive discipline. Matin Takavar’s serves, Ashwal Rai’s leadership, and Pankaj Sharma’s composure in crunch moments stood out. However, their inability to sustain pressure and convert momentum into prolonged stretches of control proved costly. The middle phase of the match, where Bengaluru snatched key super points, was where the game slipped away.
For David Lee’s Bengaluru Torpedoes, this victory marked their second win of the season and reinforced their reputation as one of the most resilient sides in the Prime Volleyball League. Known for their comeback abilities, the Torpedoes once again showed they can recover from slow starts and dominate with energy and adaptability.
Their improved blocking structure, aggressive service game, and clinical conversion in super points continue to make them one of the teams to watch this season.
The night at Gachibowli had everything momentum swings, power serves, tactical shifts, and emotional outbursts. In the end, it was Bengaluru’s perseverance and collective belief that tilted the balance. As the Prime Volleyball League 2025 progresses, this encounter will be remembered as another chapter in the Torpedoes’ growing legacy a team that thrives when its back is against the wall.
Final Score: Bengaluru Torpedoes bt Kolkata Thunderbolts 11-15, 15-13, 15-11, 15-11
Player of the Match: Joel Benjamin
