Equity Bank lock KAPU as GSU, Kenya Prisons extend winning streaks

Nicholas Matui (left) of General Service Unit (GSU) strikes the ball against Daniel Ngatia (second left) and George Okore of Kenya Forest Service during their Kenya Volleyball Federation National Men's League match at Nyayo Gymnasium on Friday. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Equity Bank on Friday beat Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) in straight sets as the third leg of the 2024-2025 Kenya Volleyball Federation Men's National League entered day two at Nyayo Gymnasium and Volleyball Court.

Determined to register their fifth win and solidify their place in the top eight, Equity fought to take the first two sets 25-22 and 25-21 amid resistance from the airport law enforcers.

The third set was ease for the bankers as KAPU seemed to have resigned to fate allowing the opponent to snatch maximum points as they scored a paltry 12 points.

Equity Bank coach Patrick Owino said that his side is gradually regaining its footing after a slow start to the season.

"We had a shaky start which responded to with hard work and dedication, we are steadily improving and I believe that their best is yet to come," Owino said.

Prisons Rift Valley yesterday bounced back from their Thursday loss to edge out Trailblazers in a five-set thriller.

Keen to not go down for the second time in hours, Rift Valley Prisons put up a spirited fight to snatch the first set 25-23. Trailblazers would be the better side in second set easily taking it 25-16 before the warders who were chasing their second win grabbed the third set 25-23 to take a 2-1 lead.

Trailblazers took the fourth set 25-19 to level matters and set the stage a decisive fifth set.

Prisons Rift Valley showed their supporters that they wanted the win more capitalizing on Trailblazers mistakes to seal the victory 15-11. They will today face the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) today while Trailblazers will entertain Western Prison.

KPA, who dismissed Prisons Nairobi 3-0(25-20, 25-21, 25-21), will build on their previous wins when they take on Prisons Rift Valley.

Defending champions Kenya Prisons made light work of the National Youth Service (NYS) dismissing them in straight sets of 25-18, 25-12 and 25-16 to make eight wins on the trot.

With the victory Kenya Prisons consolidated their place on top of the table. They have garnered 23 points from eight outings even as they lock horns with bitter rivals and former holders General Service (GSU) today. GSU also continued with their winning ways overcoming Kenya Forest Services (KFS) 3-1(25-22, 23-25, 25-16, 25-17) to chalk their fifth win.

With both sides enjoying an unbeaten run, the mother of all battles is looming as they fight to avoid defeat and maintain a flawless campaign.

Wounded GSU will be out to exert revenge on Kenya Prisons, who have tormented them in the last two seasons. Kenya Prisons dethroned GSU in 2023 and went ahead to successful defend the title in 2024 after overpowering them in the final.