Karnataka men, Kerala women emerge winners

: Karnataka men and Kerala women emerged winners in the 67th Senior National Volleyball Championship at Nehru indoor stadium here Thursday.

The sprightly Kerala team sprung a huge surprise to deny the powerful Railways team, the defending champion, in a five-set thriller.

Kerala won 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-19, 15-8) to end the reign of the 10-time defending champion.

In the men's final, Karnataka dashed the hopes of the home team, Tamil Nadu, winning 3-1.

In the women's summit clash, Railways got off to a quick start and went ahead 8-4 before Kerala clawed its way back and levelled at 17-all.

The railwaywomen pulled away to clinch the set 25-20.

In the second game, the two teams were level pegging in the initial phase before Kerala nosed ahead with enterprising play.

In the third set, the Railways team raised its level of play and opened up a big lead.

Despite a late fightback by Kerala, the formidable Railways took the set.

Kerala came out fighting in the fourth set .