Giants Prisons made to sweat as KCB beat Pipeline

DCI’s Kawus Peris (12) blocks Lorine Chebet’s (Prisons) spike during yesterday’s match at Makande Hall.[Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Defending champions Prisons Kenya were subjected to unfamiliar pressure as they laboured to beat hard fighting Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 21-25,, 25-13, 15-10) in a five set thriller in the opening day of the national volleyball playoffs in Mombasa.

The women’s champions had to apply their experience in the fifth set to win after they were pushed to the limit by the Daniel Bor-coached side at Makande Indoor Gymnasium yesterday.

DCI led by youthful Veronica Adhiambo who was making her debut at the playoffs coordinated well with superb serves and reception to win the first set 25-21.

In the second set, Prisons enjoying the services of experienced Brackcides Agala, Yvonne Wavinya, Joy Luseneka and Judith Tarus played like wounded lion to grab the set 25-22.

DCI bounced back to win the third set 25-21 before Prisons coached by Josp Barasa drew level after claiming the fourth set 25-13 to send the match into a tie breaker. 

The fifth set was more entertaining with both teams tying at 5-5 and 7-7 before Prisons cocked their guns to bag the set 15-10 and consequently enhance their chances of retaining the trophy.

DCI coach Daniel Bor said he was satisfied with the performance.

“We gave our best but it was just a bad day in office,” said Bor.

His Prisons counterpart Barasa said: “ It was a tough match but I’m happy we won.”

In another women’s match, KCB saw off former champions Kenya Pipeline in a straight three sets (25-18, 25-17, 25-18).