No upsets as KVF National League quarterfinal playoffs begin in Mombasa

There were no major upsets as the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League men's and women's quarterfinal playoffs got underway on Friday in Mombasa, with all the favorites taking a crucial first step towards the semifinals.

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Action was split between Makande Hall and Aga Khan Academy, where the eight quarterfinal ties were played under the best-of-three format, leaving the winning teams needing just one more victory on Saturday to seal their places in the last four.

In the men's category at Makande Hall, former champions Kenya Prisons made the biggest statement of the day after sweeping aside defending champions General Service Unit (GSU) in straight sets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Prisons, who have endured several disappointing results against GSU in recent meetings, dominated the opening set before holding off spirited resistance in the next two to secure a 25-17, 26-24, 25-23 victory.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) also moved within touching distance of the semi-finals after defeating Equity Bank 25-22, 25-21, and 25-18 in another straight-sets victory.

Hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) delighted their home supporters with a commanding performance against Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU), cruising to a 25-13, 25-18, 25-16 win to take control of the series.

Newcomers Chema Volleyball Club continued their impressive debut campaign in the top flight by brushing aside experienced side Trailblazers 25-22, 25-17, and 25-19 to edge closer to a place in the semi-finals.

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The women's quarterfinals at Aga Khan Academy also went according to form, although the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was forced to dig deep before claiming the day's only five-set victory.

DCI recovered from losing the opening set to edge Postbank 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. After dropping the first set 25-19, DCI responded to win the next two 25-20 and 25-15 before Postbank forced a decider with a 25-23 fourth-set victory. DCI, however, held their nerve in the decisive fifth set to complete a hard-fought 15-12 win and move within one victory of the last four.

Defending champions Kenya Pipeline began the defense of their title in convincing fashion, defeating Nairobi Prisons 25-17, 25-18, and 25-20 to take a firm grip on their quarterfinal tie.

Kenya Prisons were equally ruthless as they overwhelmed Kenya Army 25-6, 25-19, and 25-6 in one of the most one-sided matches of the day, while KCB Women's Volleyball Team defeated Kenya Defence Forces 26-24, 25-13, and 25-21 to move a step closer to the semi-finals.

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Attention now shifts to Saturday's second matches, where Kenya Prisons, KDF, KPA, and Chema in the men's competition, alongside Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Prisons, KCB, and DCI in the women's category, will all be looking to complete the job and secure their places in the semi-finals.

Should any of Friday's losing teams level their respective series on Saturday, the ties will be decided in winner-take-all playoff matches on Sunday.

The semi-finals are scheduled for July 3 to 5 at the Nyayo National Stadium indoor arena in Nairobi.

Friday Results

Men

• Chema 3-0 Trailblazers (25-22, 25-17, 25-19)
• KDF 3-0 Equity Bank (25-22, 25-21, 25-18)
• Kenya Prisons 3-0 GSU (25-17, 26-24, 25-23)
• KPA 3-0 KAPU (25-13, 25-18, 25-16)

Women

• Kenya Pipeline 3-0 Nairobi Prisons (25-17, 25-18, 25-20)
• Kenya Prisons 3-0 Kenya Army (25-6, 25-19, 25-6)
• KCB 3-0 KDF (26-24, 25-13, 25-21)
• DCI 3-2 Postbank (19-25, 25-20, 25-15, 23-25, 15-12)

Saturday Fixtures

Men

• KDF vs Equity Bank-10:00 am
• Chema vs Trailblazers - 12:00 pm
• KPA vs KAPU - 2:00 pm
• Kenya Prisons vs GSU-4:00 pm

Women

• Kenya Pipeline vs Nairobi Prisons - 10:00 am
• Kenya Prisons vs Kenya Army -12:00 pm
• KCB vs KDF: 2:00 pm
• Postbank vs DCI - 4:00 pm