Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) overcame a challenging start to secure a thrilling victory against DCI in straight sets at the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league playoffs in a stunning display of determination. The thrilling match unfolded at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Tuesday, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The bankers found themselves in a dire situation during the opening set, trailing by as much as five points towards the end. However, they mounted an incredible comeback to claim a nail-biting 28-26 win.
Coach Japheth Munala praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We faced considerable difficulties in the first set, particularly with our net defence and the backcourt. Nevertheless, my girls displayed unwavering determination, and it paid off.”
KCB’s momentum carried them to victory in the second and third sets, which they won with scores of 25-17 and 25-15, respectively. Their remarkable comeback secured them a spot in the grand finale against defending champions Kenya Pipeline, scheduled for the last day of the playoffs on Wednesday.
Munala expressed his team’s determination, stating, “Our goal is to clinch the Cup. We are currently in the second position, but tomorrow (Wednesday), we will give our all to ensure we claim the trophy.”
The match began with KCB facing a challenging start, allowing DCI to take a 7-4 lead. Munala called a timeout, and his team responded by narrowing the gap to 9-8. However, DCI also called a timeout to regroup. DCI, led by Sarah Namisi and her powerful hits, continued to dominate and extended their lead to 21-16. Victory appeared within reach for DCI, but KCB, showing their tenacity, fought back to level the score at 22-20.
DCI regained the advantage with two quick points, nearing a match point. In a critical moment, Munala made tactical substitutions, bringing in Edith Wisa and Esther Mutinda, who helped stabilize the team and tie the set at 24-24. The score remained neck and neck until 26-26 when DCI’s Mercy Iminza made two costly errors, handing KCB the set.
The second set proved to be equally competitive, with both teams exchanging leads that rarely exceeded a single point. However, KCB began to pull away at 15-15 and eventually took control at 23-17. A crucial point from Mercy Moim’s service extended their lead, and a solid block from Sharon Maywa and Belinda Barasa sealed a 2-0 set score lead for KCB.
The third set was a comfortable win for KCB, and once they established a 10-point lead at 15-5, Coach Munala made substitutions, allowing players who hadn’t seen much game time to shine. The team secured the victory without dropping a set.
In the men’s league, a new champion is on the horizon this season as the reigning champions, General Service Unit, suffered a straight-sets defeat (25-23, 25-22, 25-14) at the hands of Kenya Ports Authority. General Service Unit had started the day with a straight-sets victory against the Kenya Defense Forces but was caught off guard by a determined KPA side.
Kenya Prisons have taken the lead in the four-team play-offs after securing their second victory, a straight-sets win over KDF (28-26, 25-17, 25-15).
