Routine wins for Pipeline, KCB and Kenya Prisons as Kenya Cup begins

KCB's Lincy Jeruto in action. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

There were no surprises as Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Kenya Prisons all won their first group matches of the inaugural Kenya Volleyball Federation Kenya Cup that began on Friday at Nyayo Gymnasium.

The big three of women volleyball made a light work of their opponents to secure maximum points. Pipeline were the first to take to the court against Kenya Army in Group B. The oilers continued with their win record against the service women beating them 25-13, 25-10 and 25-12. In another Group B encounter, national league champions KCB registered a 3-0(25-16, 25-12, 25-19) against Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

In Group A, former national league champions Kenya Prisons laboured to a 3-1 win against the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The wardresses settled in the match well to take the first set 25-16.

However, DCI who have been gradually improving over the year’s recovered from a slow start to grab the second set 25-21 to draw level.

DCI fizzled out in the third set allowing Prisons to ease to a 25-14 win and take a 2-1 lead. DCI once again showed strength and desire to win the match in the fourth with both sides scoring points alternately. In spite of their effort, Prisons played their hearts out to seal the victory 25-23.

Postbank, who were not in action today, are also in Group A. The women’s Kenya Cup competition attracted seven clubs while 10 teams will be battling for the men’s trophy.

Men’s national league champions Kenya Prisons, KDF, Trailblazers, CHEMA and Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) will battle for play-offs slots in Group B. The General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Army, Equity Bank and Administration Police Kenya are in Group A. The men’s matches will be played next weekend at the same venue.