Former champions Kenya Pipeline emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 sets battle against arch-rivals Kenya Prisons as the 2024/2025 Kenya Volleyball Federation National Women’s League season kicked off at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri County on Thursday.
Pipeline, known as the Oilers, dominated the opening set with a decisive 25-14 win. However, Prisons rallied back, clinching the second set 27-25. Pipeline regained control in the third set with a close 25-22, but Prisons fought back again to equalize with a 25-23 win, pushing the match into a nail-biting decider.
In the final set, Pipeline managed to edge out Prisons 18-16, marking a successful debut for their new coach, Geoffrey Omondi, who joined the Embakasi-based club last month.
Elsewhere in the women’s league, DCI swept Young Spikers 3-0 in straight sets, while KDF also recorded a clean 3-0 victory over Vihiga Volleyball Team.
In the men’s league, reigning champions Kenya Prisons began their title defense with a dominant 3-0 win over Kenya Army, securing set scores of 25-22, 25-15, and 25-14. Prisons are set to face Trailblazers in their next match, while Kenya Army will meet AP Kenya in their second game of the opening leg.
At the same venue, KAPU also made a strong start by defeating Base Yetu 3-0 in their opening fixture. KDF’s Elisha Aliwa praised his team’s performance after their straight-set victory over Equity (25-21, 25-15, 29-27), highlighting the focus on teamwork, communication, and rigorous training as key to their championship aspirations.
Nyeri County volleyball chairman Jacob Munene celebrated the league’s return, calling it a promising new beginning for the sport locally. The season will conclude with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs, intensifying competition as teams vie for a coveted playoff berth.
