Former national champions Malava Boys and reigning champions qualified into the semifinals of Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) in volleyball.
Malava beat Karega in straight sets of 3-0 in Group B. Malava, who are out to reclaim the title they lost to Cheptil in 2016, had beaten Mogonga PAG in their opening match.
The four-time national holders will on Thursday play Gatunga in their last group match. Malava were forced to put in more effort as Karega engaged them in a close battle for points in the first set. Malava’s experience in the end secured them a 25-22, 25-18 and 25-20 win.
Mogonga, who eliminated 2017 national winners Sengera at the Nyanza Region games, bounced from their disappointing start to beat Gatunga 25-15, 25-17 and 25-21. Mogonga and Karega still have a chance to qualify to secure the last four slot, while Gatunga’s hopes were shattered after losing two matches.
In the girls’ contest, national and East Africa champions Kwanthanze remained on course to retaining their title after sealing their last four slot with victory over Nyanza’s Nyakach in Group B. Kwanthanze had it easy against Nyakach, taking the first set 25-11. Nyakach improved in the second set, but they could not outclass the three-time national winners, going down 25-19 and 25-16 in the second and third sets respectively.
Last year’s finalists Cheptil revived their hopes of winning this year’s title with victory against Tetu. They bounced back from their opening match loss to Kwanthanze to beat Tetu 25-8, 25-7 and 25-16. On Thursday, they face off with Nyakach in a must-win match. They must beat Nyakach, who have also won one match to qualify for Friday’s semi-finals.
In netball, former champions Kaya Tiwi also sealed their semis slot with an emphatic 106-0 win over North Eastern’s Senior Chief Ogle in Group B. Siblings Melda and Monica Oguda once again starred for Kaya Tiwi scoring 58 and 48 points respectively. Syumile, who lost their opening match to Kaya Tiwi, beat 2007 winners Manor House 43-27. Syumile will play Senior Chief Ogle Thursday and a win will renew their hopes of advancing to the semis.