Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league champions KCB and General Service Unit (GSU) won the third edition of the National Heroes tournament at the Koitaleel Samoei University grounds in Mosoriot, Nandi County.
The unbeaten KCB were made to work overtime by former champions Prisons Kenya before winning the final 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-20, and 25-17) to lift the trophy.
Head coach Japheth Munala said the win was a good start to a very competitive season.
“This victory gives us a chance to work on our weaknesses and strengthen our strongholds.
“We need to improve our services because we lost a lot, especially in the first and second sets.
“We also had a challenge with the right attack position that was not strong. The defence was fine but the outside hitters had challenges,” said Munala who also serves as the national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers’ head coach.
In the semifinals, the bankers defeated Nairobi Prisons in straight sets of 25-17, 25-21, and 25-21 while second-placed Kenya Prisons recorded a similar set margin of 25-17, 25-21, and 25-19 against Postbank.
GSU defeated Equity Bank 2-0 in a final match that was called off prematurely due to heavy rain.
Before the rain, GSU had won 25-16 and 25-19 and through consultation and discussions, the two teams resolved not to return to the court but to award GSU the title.
Women semifinals
1. KCB 3-0 POST BANK (25-17, 25-21 and 25-19)
2. Prisons 3-0 Nairobi Prisons (25-17, 25-21 and 25-21)
Final
KCB 3-1 Kenya Prisons (25-20, 23-25, 25-20 and 25-17)
Men
Men Quarters
1. Kdf 3-0 Eldowas (25:18, 25:19 and 25:17)
2. Trailblazers 2-3 APK (21:25, 22:25, 26:24, 25:22 and 14-16)
3. Equity 3-1 Kenya Prisons (25-19, 25-18, 16-25 and 28-26)
4. KPA 1-3 GSU (18-25, 28-26, 28-25 and 19-25)
Semifinals Men
1. APK 0-3 GSU (19-25, 26-28 and 15-25)
2. Equity 3-1 Kenya Prisons (22-25, 27-25, 25-20 and 20-25).
Final
Equity Bank 0-2 GSU (25-16, 25-19) game called off in third set due to rain.