Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) successfully blocked killer spikes from rivals Prisons Kenya to sail to the semi-final of the 2024 Kipchumba Karori International Volleyball tournament in Eldoret.
With their solid blocking, KPA arrested Kenya Prisons in 3-0 beating in the match played at The Eldoret National Polytechnic playgrounds on Saturday.
The 2023 Paul Bitok volleyball tournament champions weathered a strong comeback by Prisons in the second set.
They took the first set in 25-20 before mounting a strong defence against a spirited attempt by Prisons to dominate the hotly contested second set, which KPA eventually won in 27-25.
KPA completed the third set in 25-19 to book their place in the semi-final.
The event, which attracted more than 100 top teams from Kenya and neighbouring countries, is culminating in what is shaping up to be a thrilling final this afternoon.
KPA coach, former international James Ontere hailed his side as composed and well prepared to handle pressure.
“Our target is to win the top prize. Our service, defence and reception were well executed. The team executed our instructions despite the pressure,” Ontere said after the thriller.
The quarter finals played yesterday (day two) saw Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) stamp authority over Trailblazers.
KDF sailed to the semi-final in a 3-0 win of 25-15, 25-20 and 25-19 in a mouthwatering clash. GSU and Equity Bank also triumphed in the quarters.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) women, KPC B, Kenya Prisons and DCI won their quarter final matches to book their places in the semis.
DCI thrashed KCCCA from Uganda 3-0 while Post Bank emerged victorious against KAVC, also from the neighbouring Uganda.
In the universities and colleges category, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) will be facing LVTC in the final while Moi University squares it out with Eastern Africa in the playoff.
MMUST women will clash with Eastern Africa in the lady’s event while Eldoret’s RVTTI plays University of Eldoret in the battle for the second runner-up place.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) used the event to carry out its campaign against cheating in sport. Players were placed in 16 pools and preliminaries started on Friday.
Primary schools showcased their volleyball talents in the three-day contest with Soin battling Kosachei in the girls semi-final.
Soin qualified for the semis after defeating Moss 3-0 while Kosachei sailed to the penultimate stage after securing a hard-fought win against Kipkongorwa Primary School. Chepkit and St Augustine faced off in the semi-final.
Odibet through Odi Mtaani, which is a major sponsor in the International Volleyball tournament, said it was proud to support the 2024 edition. “As a key sponsor, Odibets is excited to provide over 100 kits and volleyballs to the 174 participating teams, helping to elevate the level of competition and ensure athletes have the best equipment to showcase their skills. In addition, we are thrilled to contribute a cumulative prize money of Sh2.4 million to reward the hard work, dedication, and spirit of the athletes throughout the tournament,” the sponsor said in a statement.