Lalitpur Queens advance to EWVL final

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 14: Lalitpur Queens almost secured a spot in the final of the Everest Women's Volleyball League, courtesy of Kathmandu Spikers lower set ratio. 

Despite 3–1 victory over Pokhara Ninjas on Thursday, Kathmandu failed to improve their set ratio in the league stage. With one match remaining, Kathmandu sit third on the table with six points from four matches, trailing Lalitpur who have amassed nine points from three wins in four outings.

Kathmandu have won six sets and dropped eight across their fixtures. Lalitpur, meanwhile, have claimed nine sets and conceded just three. Even if Lalitpur lose their final league match in straight sets, their position in the standings remains unaffected.

Defending champions Karnali Yashvis have already booked their place in the final, maintaining an unbeaten run so far. Before Saturday’s championship clash, Karnali and Lalitpur will face off in the final league fixture on Friday. Kathmandu will take on Lumbini Lions in their concluding match of the round.

In Thursday’s opening match at the covered hall of the National Sports Council, Kathmandu’s triumph was powered by a standout performance from Usha Bhandari. The Spikers took control early, winning the first set 25–19, won the second by a 25–17. Pokhara responded in the third set, dominating 25–12. However, Kathmandu tclosed out the match 25–18 and seal a 3–1 victory, earning three crucial points.

This result marks Pokhara’s fourth defeat, concluding their EWVL campaign with four points. In the second match of the day, Lumbini Lavas outclassed Madhesh United with a 3–1 set win. Lumbini edged a tense opening set 28–26 on match point, but dropped the second 23–25. They rallied strongly in the third and fourth sets, winning 25–14 and 25–19 respectively to clinch the match.

Both Lumbini and Madhesh are out of semi-final contention, occupying the bottom two spots in fifth and sixth place respectively.