Day 2 of the 18th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy on October 22 featured intense volleyball action across all pools, with teams fighting to secure their spots for the quarterfinals. The day saw a mix of decisive victories, competitive sets, and key performances that shaped the knockout stage.
Match 1: Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘A’ vs Shikaho Memorial Club, Akuluto
Failing to recover from their previous defeat against MH-10 Kohima, Chienino Brothers ‘A’ struggled to find their rhythm. Shikaho Memorial Club, on the other hand, showed remarkable improvement from their earlier loss to Longsa Sporting Club. With clever tactics, deceptive placements into unguarded zones, and well-targeted strikes that left the Chienino defense helpless, the Akuluto side dominated the court. They sealed the game in straight sets with scores of 25–18 and 25–12.
Match 2: United Changki vs Yangs Brothers
Backed by an enthusiastic crowd, United Changki displayed experience and dominance over the young Yangs Brothers side. Taking control from the first whistle, United executed sharp serves and well-coordinated plays to claim the opening set 25–12. The second set mirrored the first, with United’s solid defense and precise counterattacks leaving little room for recovery, winning 25–15.
Match 3: Evergreen Club Ungma vs Yajang ‘C’
Evergreen Club showcased their experience, overwhelming Yajang ‘C’ with relentless serves and powerful strikes. Outclassed in tactics, experience, and physicality, Yajang struggled throughout. Evergreen Club cruised to a straight-set victory, 25–10 and 25–14.
Note: With the withdrawal of Southern Angami Sports Association, both Evergreen Club Ungma and Yajang ‘C’ automatically advance to the quarterfinals as winners and runners-up of Pool B.
Match 4: Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘B’ vs Yisemyong Volleyball Association
After an earlier loss to Fly High Tuensang, Chienino Brothers ‘B’ delivered a strong performance. They dominated the first set 25–12. The second set was closely contested up to 22-all, but Chienino Brothers maintained composure and secured the set 25–22, winning the match in straight sets. Their victory sets the stage for the crucial Pool C decider between Yisemyong and Fly High Tuensang to determine quarterfinal qualifiers.
Match 5: MH-10 Kohima vs Shikaho Memorial Club, Akuluto
The defending champions faced a determined Shikaho Memorial side. Despite Akuluto’s resistance, MH-10 displayed composure, clinching the first set 25–21. In the second, unforced errors from Shikaho allowed MH-10 to dominate, closing the set 25–13 and securing a straight-set win.
Match 6: Changtongya Volleyball Association vs Yangs Brothers
Both teams, already out of title contention, played for pride. CVA demonstrated composure, taking the first set 25–21. Yangs Brothers bounced back in the second 25–23, but CVA regained momentum to close the decider 25–18, ending their campaign on a positive note.
Match 7: Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘A’ vs Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung
In a do-or-die Pool A clash, Longsa Sporting Club dominated from the start. Their precise attacks and coordination overwhelmed Chienino Brothers ‘A’, winning the first set 25–13 and the second 25–15. MH-10 Kohima and Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung are now confirmed as the top two teams from Pool A heading to the knockout stage.
Match 8: United Changki vs Spadroons Club Chungtia
With both teams already qualified for the quarterfinals, this match decided the Pool D topper. United Changki held firm against Spadroons’ fast-paced offense, winning the first set 25–21 and the second 25–18, securing the top position in the pool.
Match 9: Southern Angami Sports Association vs Yajang ‘C’
The scheduled match between Yajang ‘C’ and Southern Angami Sports Association did not take place, as Southern Angami withdrew from the tournament without playing any matches. As a result, Yajang ‘C’ was awarded a victory by walkover.
Match 10: Fly High Tuensang vs Yisemyong Volleyball Association
Fly High Tuensang produced a commanding performance to lead Pool C. Dynamic combinations from Chiba, Sangle, Mar, and Imlong kept Yisemyong on the back foot. Tuensang claimed the first set 25–19 and the second 25–18, concluding the group stage with a strong showing.
The quarterfinals of the 18th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy are scheduled for 23 October at 2 PM. The top eight teams will face off in four exciting clashes, with MH-10 Kohima taking on Yajang ‘C’, Evergreen Club Ungma meeting Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung, Fly High Tuensang facing Spadroons Club Chungtia, and United Changki playing against Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘B’. These matches will determine the semifinalists as teams compete for a place in the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament.
