No surprises again as top teams dominate KVF quarters play-offs

Champions Kenya Prisons and KCB Bank yesterday affirmed their intentions to defend their Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Men and Women's National League trophies with victories in the quarter-finals play-offs at Kasarani Indoor Arena and Nyayo Gymnasium.

The warders, who are looking to win the title for a third year in a row, were, however, made to work harder for victory in a five-set thriller against the Kenya Forest Services (KFS). They had to rally from a set down twice before winning the decisive fifth set to take a 1-0 and set one foot in the semi-finals. A win in their second of the best-three contests will see them secure their spot in the last four. KFS on the other hand, must win today's encounter to draw level and set the stage for the third match.

Going into the match, Kenya Prisons were expected to have it easy with KFS, who had finished seventh on the table in the regular season.

Nonetheless, the foresters would shock them by quickly settling into the match to take the first set 25-18. The Warders would respond by dominating the second set to win 25-16 and level matters. The third set was fiercely contested, with both sides seeking to take the lead. KFS would outlast the opponent to grab the set 34-32 and restore their advantage.

Kenya Prisons would once again fight back to take the fourth set 28-26 and set the stage for the fifth set. KFS seemed to have it as they enjoyed an 8-4 lead at the changeover, but experience would cost them as Kenya Prisons staged a major brilliant comeback to win 15-13 and carry the day.

In other matches, former champions General Service Unit (GSU) beat Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) in straight sets of 25-19, 25-20 and 25-17 to close in on a semi-finals play-offs slot. They will be looking to complete the job today in their second tie. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are also one match away from the semis after dismissing Equity Bank 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-20, 25-19).

In the women's title hunt, holders KCB made light work of KDF dismissing them in straight sets of 25-10, 25-16 and 25-13. The bankers eased to victory without a struggle and will be looking to get the job done today when they play their second match. Former champions Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline, as well as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also won their respective matches.

The wardresses beat Kenya Army 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-13) while the Oilers showed no mercy to Prisons Nairobi, taking a 1-0 lead in straight sets of 25-16, 25-13 and 25-14.

DCI on the other hand, had no trouble against Postbank, winning 25-11, 25-22 and 25-18. KCB, Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline and the much-improved DCI are likely to end the quarter-finals challenge today by making it 2-0. However, their opponents will be looking to turn the tables and stretch the battle to the decisive third matches.