Kenya Prisons put champions KCB behind bars at Nyayo

KCB's Captain Mercy Moim (left) play against Captain Joy Lusenaka (center) and Lorine Kaei duo of Kenya Prisons Women during KVR Premier League at The Nayo National Stadium, Gymnasium. Nov 24, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

National women’s volleyball Division One league champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) on Sunday suffered their second defeat after going down to former holders Kenya Prisons in a close second leg match at Nyayo Gymnasium.

Prisons came from behind twice to beat the bankers 3-2 (25-15, 16-25, 25-20,11-25, 15-13).

KCB captain Edith Wisa said they played well despite losing the match.

“We lost, but there are a lot of positives we picked from the encounter because we played very well compared to our previous matches. When we met in Nyeri, they beat us in straight sets; so taking two sets from them is a plus and sign of better things to come,” Wisa said.

Her Prisons equal Joy Luseneka said they didn’t have a clear strategy going into the match, but were determined to carry the day.

“We had lost to them very many times and we were not willing to go down without a proper fight. We didn’t have a strategy because we wanted to be flexible and make changes ,” Luseneka said.

She lauded veteran Lydia Maiyo whose prowess anchored them to victory.

“Lydia is not just our teammate but the mother of the team. She guides, inspires and gives a chance to younger players to showcase their talent.” Former champions Kenya Pipeline rallied from a set down to beat Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 3-1 to extend their winnings streak.

A slow start to the first set saw Pipeline play catch up before going down 23-25. They, however, returned stronger to dominate the second taking it 25-3 thanks to a brilliant show by captain Gladys Ekaru, Triza Atuka, Loice Simiyu and  Leonida Kasaya. 

There was no looking back for the oilers as they dominated the third and fourth sets 25-14 and 25-16 to seal their fifth win of the season.

Postbank edged out resilient Prisons Nairobi to chalk seal their first victory. After suffering three defeats, Postbank put up a spirited fight to snatch a 3-2(25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-27,15-11) win.

Vihiga County completed their tour of the city on a high after dismissing Maranatha in straight sets of 25-22, 25-20 and 25-13.