Cheptil, Kwanthanze reach semis

Boys’ national volleyball champions Cheptil are two matches away from retaining their title.

The champions yesterday secured their second win to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing secondary schools Term Two B games at Moi Nyeri Complex Primary.

Cheptil beat Waberi of Northeastern 3-0 (25-8, 25-12, 25-13) in their Group B match to inch closer to playing in the final. Cheptil won their opening match in straight sets against Tetu of Central Region.

Cheptil coach Fredrick Were was all smiles as he praised his team for a job well done.

“So far so good. The boys have been brilliant in both games and I’m glad we have secured a place in the semis without much struggle.

“This is where it gets more challenging but we are ready for it,” Were said.

Sengera SDA of Nyanza snatched the second boys’ Group B semis slot after a 3-1 win over hosts Tetu. Sengera will play Cheptil today in their last tie that will decide who tops Group B.

Favourites and reigning East Africa champions Malava are likely to advance in Group A.

In the girls’ title chase, former national and East Africa holders Kwanthanze of Eastern Region booked a slot in the last four after winning in straight sets over Makaror of Northeastern.

Kwanthanze made easy work of the national debutantes 25-4, 25-3 and 25-2 and with it, qualified for tomorrow’s semis.

Kwanthanze, who were missing in action during last year’s nationals, are hoping to maintain their form and secure a ticket to the East Africa games.

They play Sega as they chase their third successive win in their group. The second semifinal spot remains an open affair.

Lugulu of Western bounced back from a disappointing start to beat St Anne’s Sega of Nyanza 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-22) and revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Lugulu lost their opener but must now convincingly win against Makaror from Northeastern and pray for a Kwanthanze win against Sega for them to go through.

Kwanthanze defeated Lugulu in the opening match. In girls’ volleyball, last year’s national and East Africa silver medallists Soweto Academy of Nairobi and Cheptil are likely to advance from Group A after they triumphed in their opening matches.