The Bengaluru Torpedoes were crowned Champions of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia Season 4, defeating Mumbai Meteors in straight sets 15-13, 16-4, 15-13 in a thrilling final at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
In a match that lived up to its billing, Bengaluru showcased superior tactical execution, flawless serving, and composure under pressure to clinch their maiden PVL title. Led by captain Matt West, the Torpedoes combined their power game with intelligent playmaking to neutralize Mumbai’s attacking threats throughout the contest. The opening set began on an even note, with both sides cautious and focused on controlling the middle zone. Bengaluru’s Petter Alstad Ostvik made the first big impact with a precise block on Joel Benjamin, only for the Meteors to respond through a strong defensive effort by Jishnu, who blocked Shubham Chaudhary to level proceedings.
The game’s intensity rose as Bengaluru began to assert themselves through Sethu’s aggressive serves, forcing the Meteors into early defensive errors. Mumbai’s coach called for a Super Point, but the Torpedoes’ discipline under pressure anchored by setter Matt West’s clever distribution and quick transitions allowed them to hold their ground.
The Bengaluru captain’s precision in setting up his attackers proved pivotal, as the Torpedoes clinched the first set 15-13, giving them a vital lead in the final.
Dominant Second Set from the Torpedoes
The second set was all Bengaluru. Sethu opened with the night’s first Super Serve, immediately setting the tone. Mumbai struggled to find rhythm as a string of unforced errors from Shubham Chaudhary and skipper Amit Gulia handed easy points to the Torpedoes.
Despite Om Lad Vasant’s efforts to stabilize play with sharp setting for his attackers, the Meteors could not contain Bengaluru’s relentless momentum. The Torpedoes’ front line featuring Joel Benjamin, Sethu, and Penrose maintained constant pressure.
Joel, in particular, was unstoppable, combining precision and power to pierce Mumbai’s block line time and again. His Super Serve late in the set sealed the deal, as Bengaluru romped through 16-4, taking an emphatic two-set advantage.
With their backs against the wall, the Meteors came out firing in the third set, showing glimpses of the form that had brought them to the final. Shubham Chaudhary led the charge with aggressive spikes, while Om Lad tried to accelerate Mumbai’s tempo through quicker transitions. However, Bengaluru’s momentum remained unbroken. The Torpedoes’ American attacker Jalen Penrose joined the offensive onslaught, delivering a series of thunderous spikes that left Mumbai’s backcourt scrambling. His attacking rhythm, coupled with consistent blocking from Sethu and Jishnu, kept the Meteors under pressure.
A pivotal moment arrived when coach David Lee opted for a risky Super Point call a decision that proved decisive. Penrose smashed a pinpoint spike to convert it successfully, extending Bengaluru’s lead and pushing Mumbai to the brink. Even though Mumbai responded with a Super Point of their own to stay in the contest, Bengaluru’s composure never wavered. The Torpedoes held firm in the closing rallies, and when Nikhil’s serve drifted wide, the Gachibowli crowd erupted sealing Bengaluru’s straight-sets triumph (15-13, 16-4, 15-13) and the PVL Season 4 title.
A Complete Team Performance
Every aspect of Bengaluru’s game clicked on the night. Their serves were aggressive, their blocking sharp, and their transitions smooth. Setter Matt West, named one of the standout performers of the season, once again demonstrated his ability to dictate tempo and vary attack options seamlessly. Sethu’s serving pressure and Joel Benjamin’s attacking consistency were key to maintaining control across sets, while Penrose’s explosive finishing gave the Torpedoes a lethal edge in crucial moments.
Coach David Lee’s tactical flexibility seen in well-timed substitutions and bold Super Point calls further highlighted the team’s confidence and depth.
For the Mumbai Meteors, the night ended in disappointment despite flashes of quality. Their attack struggled for cohesion, and a series of unforced errors derailed their rhythm, especially in the second set. Captain Amit Gulia and Shubham Chaudhary worked tirelessly to mount a comeback, but the Torpedoes’ relentless efficiency proved too strong to break down.
Still, Mumbai’s journey to the final marked by consistent performances and tactical discipline underlined their growth as one of the PVL’s most competitive sides.
A Historic Night for the Torpedoes
This triumph marks a significant milestone in Bengaluru Torpedoes’ PVL journey. After near misses in previous seasons, they finally translated promise into silverware with a performance defined by balance, strategy, and teamwork. As confetti rained down in Gachibowli, captain Matt West lifted the trophy to the cheers of a packed Hyderabad crowd a fitting end to a season where Bengaluru blended flair with efficiency to become the new champions of Indian volleyball.
Final Score: Bengaluru Torpedoes beat Mumbai Meteors 15–13, 16–4, 15–13
Champions: Bengaluru Torpedoes PVL Season 4 (2025)
