In the league stage of the Prime Volleyball League, Kolkata Thunderbolts tasted just about everything -- a great start, momentum-depleting back-to-back losses and a comeback win that took them to the second spot on the points table. Skipper Ashwal Rai remained relentless, while his team kept putting in the hard yards with an eye on the knockout stage. Now, they’re licking their chops for a spot in the summit showdown on Sunday. Before that, they will be up against Calicut Heroes in the second semi-final on Friday.

Here’s how Kolkata Thunderbolts made it to the last four:

Ashwal Rai’s perfect kick-start
(February 7 - Thunderbolts beat Calicut Heroes)

Kolkata Thunderbolts kick-started their PVL campaign with a much-desired victory. And the architect of the win was skipper Ashwal Rai, who produced some meteoric spikes, helping his side clinch the thriller 3-2. The Kolkata outfit took down Calicut Heroes 15-13, 12-15, 15-10, 12-15, 15-13, breaking into the top three of the tournament standings.

Team performance in full swing
(February 11 - Thunderbolts beat Chennai Blitz)

By now, the Kolkata Thunderbolts’ PVL run had gotten better. After clinching the first game by a 3-2 margin, Ashwal Rai and team steamrolled the Blitz 4-1. Bruno Da Silva had helped Chennai clinch the first set. But Rai, along with Rahul K and Mohamed Riyazudeen, ensured the match stayed in Kolkata’s grip.

Thunderbolts were over the moon after registering back-to-back wins. Agencies

In cruise control
(February 12 – Thunderbolts beat Bengaluru Torpedoes)

There couldn’t have been a better start to the tournament. So much so that the Thunderbolts were deemed invincible. By registering a 4-1 victory over Bengaluru, thanks to a special effort from Vinit Kumar, Kolkata completed a hat-trick of wins. With Aravindhan S chipping in with some stellar spikes, the Thunderbolts moved towards the semis at breakneck speed.

Bolts take a tumble
(February 15 -- Thunderbolts lose to Hyderabad Black Hawks)

In what can be called a ding-dong battle, the Hyderabad Black Hawks held the edge against a Kolkata side that kept losing momentum in bits and pieces. Along with SV Guru Prasanth, who bagged the Player of the Match award, Amit Gulia, John Joseph EJ and Luis Antonio Arias put their best foot forward to hand Kolkata their first loss of the tournament.

Kolkata Thunderbolts' Vinit Kumar has had a splendid PVL so far Agencies

A loss, again
(February 19 -- Thunderbolts to Ahmedabad Defenders)

Another game, another tumble for the Kolkata Thunderbolts. Ahmedabad Defenders beat Rai & Co. to move to the top of the table with eight points from five matches. Thanks to an incredible performance from Shon T John. Rahl K and Vinit Kumar, Kolkata got off to a flying start by winning the first set, but then it was just a matter of time before the momentum was lost.

Back to winning ways
(February 23 - Thunderbolts beat Kochi Blue Spikers)

The Kolkata Thunderbolts were far from complacent despite making it to the semi-finals. Rai & Co. clinched their last league game, beating Kochi Blue Spikers 3-2, with Vinit Kumar and Rahul K bringing their A game to the fore. Mohamed Riyazudeen also delivered some effective spikes to ensure Kolkata kept dominating.

Ashwal Rai knows the importance of going into the semis on a winning note Agencies

In the second semi-final on Friday, Kolkata Thunderbolts will face Calicut Heroes. Match starts at 7pm.