KCB eyes finals berth after edging out DCI in first leg

KCB's Sharon Chepchumba in action against DCI during their semi-final playoff match played at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB Volleyball team will be eyeing the league’s final slot as they face-off against DCI Volleyball team on Saturday in the return leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League semi-finals at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The national champions were forced to dig deep to secure a vital win in the first leg, edging the detectives 3-2 in a five-set thriller played at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

KCB won the first two sets, 25-17 and 25 – 19 before DCI grabbed the third and fourth sets with 21-25 and 25-17 to set the stage for the fifth and deciding set. The Bankers rallied from behind to claim a 16-14 win, claiming the bragging rights. They meet again tomorrow for the return leg.

KCB's Lindsey Jeruto during the KVF semi-final Playoff match at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The Lionesses missed the services of youngster Debora Chesang, who has been sidelined with a minor injury. Opposite attacker Sharon Chepchumba was also granted the first start in the playoffs, leading the attack for the bankers alongside left Attacker Mariam Musa and Belinda Barasa.

“We dropped the ball a little bit in the third and fourth sets, which did cost us, but I am proud that the ladies put up a spirited fight until the last minute. We have a big game tomorrow at the same venue, and we have to win to secure our slot in the finals,” Head Coach Japheth Munala said.

“This was a wake-up call for the team. The more we advance, the more the games become tough for us, and we just need to be ready for them. I am proud of my team for not giving up today, but tomorrow, we have to win the game.” KCB captain Edith Wisa added.