L. MathekaKCB labour past Prisons as Pipeline pick easy win
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 02.10.23. | 20:03
Action continues on Tuesday with four more matches on the cards.
2022 Africa club champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) women's volleyball team labored past former national league champions Prisons Kenya for a 3-2 victory.
The two sides were facing off on the opening day of the 2023 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) playoffs ongoing at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium.
The match might have had an anticlimactic end to it with a controversial call gifting the bankers the match-winning point, but both sides had shown their mettle throughout the match.
Thrills Till the End as KCB Triumphs
— Kenya Volleyball Federation (@KenyaVolley) October 2, 2023
In a heart-pounding 5-set thriller, the Bankers emerge victorious, 3-2 (25-18, 22-25, 25-10, 24-26, 15-12), as they aim to claim the title this year. What an unforgettable match that had us on the edge of our seats. pic.twitter.com/drnq3rvQQi
Japheth Munala's KCB drew first blood, picking the first set 25-18 but Josp Barasa's wardresses responded quickly with a 25-22 second set to level the match.
KCB went all out in the third set, restricting Prisons to ten points for a 25-10 third set. Munala's charges fought hard to kill the game in the fourth set but it was Barasa's women who prevailed in a 26-24 outcome to send the match into a decider fifth that the bankers won 15-12.
The result gives Prisons who are looking to reclaim the title they won in 2021 a crucial point while denting KCB's quest for a first title since 2016.
KCB's result is made even more damaging by the fact that holders Kenya Pipeline had a somewhat clean start picking maximum points in a 3-1 outcome against the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The holders picked the opening two sets 25-16, 25-22 but gave away the third in a hard-fought 25-27, going on to win the match 25-17.
"I was sure of this win but the sets did not matter as I just wanted a positive start. DCI are a stubborn side and they have been improving with each season.
Playing them in the opener was perfect as it set the pace for us and helps us gauge how we will handle situations in upcoming matches. We are going for the title and nothing is stopping us," Kenya Pipeline head coach Paul Gitau said.
His opposite number, Daniel Bor attributed the loss to nerves arguing that when Pipeline did not push them in the fourth set they also sat back instead of keeping the fight going.
"As we play KCB on Tuesday, the focus will be on getting our reception and services right as we push for points," Bor offered.
Tuesday Fixtures
KDF vs Prisons (Men) 10am
KPA vs GSU (Men) 12 noon
DCI vs KCB (Women) 2pm
Prisons vs Pipeline (Women) 4pm
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