Champions KCB and Kenya Prisons started their title defence on a high note winning their opening matches at the first leg of Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league that served off at the Koitaleel Samoei University in Mosoriot, Nandi County.
The women champions took it easy to beat Post Bank in a bankers’ tense derby that forced the organizers to include the line men for accuracy of the ball landing.
The Japheth Munala coached side 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-19) to set the ball rolling ahead of Friday’s match against Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Munala said that it was a good start for the girls on their way to defend the title.
“This is a morale booster for the team after winning the match. We have hope that good things will be coming ahead of us,” said Munala.
The man charged with Malkia Strikers tactician said that they will be facing off with a tough DCI on Friday, which they have to prepare well.
“Today’s win has given us an upper hand as we plan to face a tough side tomorrow. We want to leave this place with all six points,” said Munala.
His counterpart Josp Barasa of Kenya Prisons has hoped that winning the opening match is good as they focus to finish in top two positions.
“In the concluded season, we managed to finish third but this time, we want top two and probably reclaim our lost glory,” said Brasa whose side beat Nairobi Prison in straight sets of 14-25, 14- 25 and 22- 25.
In other women’s matches, DCI shone over debutants Maranatha.
Men champions Kenya prison were too good for their counterparts Rift Valley prison winning in straight sets of 25-17, 25-12 and 25-17 while former champions General Service Unit (GSU)defeated Department of Defence (DOD) CAU in a four thriller at 25-23, 25-19, 23-25 and 25-17.
Round one fixtures
Men
1. Base Yetu 2-3 Western Prison (25-23, 18-25,21-25, 25-22, 10-15)
2. Trail Blazers 3-1 Equity Bank (22-25, 25-21, 28-26, 25-20)
3. AP Kenya 1-3 KDF ( 15-25, 16-25, 25- 19, 20-25)
4. Kenya Prison 3-0 Prison Rift Valley (25-17, 25-12, 25-17)
5. GSU 3-1 DOD CAU (25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-17)
6. KPA 3-0 Nairobi Prison (25-15, 25-18, 25-21)
7. Western Prison 3-2 DOD CAU KENYA (19-25,22-25, 25-18,25-21, 17-15
8. Prison Rift 3-2 Nairobi Prison (22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15)
9. KDF 1-3 Kenya Prison (25-19, 25-27, 21-25, 23-25)
10. Equity Bank 2-3 AP Kenya (25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 18-25, 14- 16)
11. KPA 0-3 Trail Blazers (23-25, 22-25, 15-25)
12. Base Yetu 3-1 Kenya Army ( 18-25, 25-21, 25-22,31-29)
WOMEN
1. DCI 3-0 Maranatha Bunge (25-16, 25-7, 24-13)
2. Kenya Army 0-3 KPC (10-25, 13-25, 17-25)
3. Nairobi Prison 0-3 Kenya Prison (14-25, 14- 25, 22- 25)
4. KCB 3-0 Post Bank ( 25-19, 25-15, 25-19)