Easy does it for volleyball top four as they cruise to semis

Champions KCB Bank, Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) advanced to the semi-final play-offs of the Kenya Volleyball Federation Women’s National League after winning 2-0.  

The quartet cruised into the last four after outclassing their opponents to win the best-of-three contest.

Kenya Pipeline dismissed Prisons Nairobi in straight sets of 25-5, 25-18 and 25-11 to advance to the semis. Pipeline, who had a great run in the regular season, winning nine out of their 10 encounters, had it easy with the wardresses shoving them out of the way without losing a set.

Pipeline, which is the only Kenyan side to secure a continental medal in the past two years, is keen to reclaim the league trophy that has eluded them for years. However, with the big four sides in the semis, they are now focused on qualifying for the final.

Holders KCB completed a flawless run against Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), beating them 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-12) to remain on course to retain their title.

The bankers dismissed the soldiers without a struggle despite an evenly contested first set. Despite putting up a spirited fight in the first set, they fizzled out to let KCB win easily.

KDF’s Kenya Army peers did not fare well either, exiting the title race following a second straight sets loss to former champions Kenya Prisons.

The wardresses showed class, winning in sets of 25-18, 25-9 and 25-14. In form DCI, who are the only side to have beaten Kenya Pipeline this season, also had it easy dismissing Postbank 25-8, 25-19 and 25-12 to complete the last four.

In the Men’s National League title chase, defending champions Kenya Prisons beat Kenya Forest Services (KFS) 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19) to keep their title defence dream alive.

The warders were more composed and tactical in their second match, avoiding the unnecessary pressure they had suffered during the first tie, that they won 3-2.  

Former champions the General Service Unit (GSU) extended their dominance over the Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) to secure their semi-finals spot.

GSU, who are determined to recapture the title they lost to Kenya Prisons in 2023, won in straight sets of 25-19, 25-22 and 28-26.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) secured a 2-0 win over Trailblazers to enhance their chances of winning this season’s gong. The dockers who on Friday secured a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-22) to take a one-game advantage completed the task with another straight sets win of 25-17, 25-16 and 25-20.

The fourth men’s semi-finalist will be determined today after Equity Bank recovered from match one loss to level the score 1-1 against KDF. The bankers fought tooth and nail to win 3-2 (29-27, 22-25, 21-25, 25-21, 20-18) to set the stage for the decisive third game.