Champs Kosirai clash with Lugulu

Tetu High School's Winfred Muthoki (4) blocks an attack from Lugulu Girls high School's Christabel Simuyu (right) during Secondary School Game volleyball match at Kisumu Boys High School, Kisumu County on August 3, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD

There will be no love lost when Airtel Rising Stars girls’ volleyball reigning champions AIC Kosirai and former titleholders Lugulu Girls lock horns in their semi-finals match today at Kisumu Boys. Mau Region’s Kosirai will be banking on recent history that saw them beat their Nzoia counterparts in straight sets twice last year.

Kosirai beat first beat Lugulu 3-0 in last year’s semis to end their national title hunt campaign then beat them again 3-0 to win bronze during last year’s East Africa games held in Rwanda. Kosirai captain Nelly Chepchumba told Feverpitch that they are going for a win in straight sets.

“We beat them twice last year and we are not willing to let them have their way. We are ready for the game because our trophy is at stake and to ensure that we hold on to it we have to win that match,” Chepchumba said.
She added that they have already dealt with their loss to Soweto and are ready to avenge it in the finals if the latter wins their semis match.

Lugulu have been in good form winning all their group matches without dropping a set. In their last group matches Lugulu dismissed Highlands’ Gankanga 3-0 while Kosirai beat Furaha Mixed of Northern 3-0.

The second girls’ semis tie will see minnows Soweto Academy take on their hosts Sega Girls. Soweto captain Josephine Nekesa said that her charges are not yet satisfied with their achievements this far but are eying the crown. “We have qualified for East Africa but our work is not done we still have to achieve our purpose by winning the trophy. We remain focused and through hard work, discipline and teamwork we believe we will make it happen.”

In the boys contest, it was the end of the road for 2013 winners Hospital Hill as they fell 3-1defending champions Malava. The title holders will now take on Tetu while Sengera will play former champions Cheptil of Mau in the second semis tie.