Maximum points for Prisons, Pipeline as KVF playoffs begin

Day one of the 2023 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) saw all eight teams in action pick at least a set as the battle for this year's title got underway.

KVF women's defending champions Kenya Pipeline and former men's league champions Prisons Kenya were the only sides to pick maximum points on day 1 after beating DCI and KPA 3-1 respectively.

Pipeline, up against Daniel Bor-coached DCI picked the opening two sets 25-16 and 25-22 but dropped the third in a hard-fought 25-27. They recovered well in time to win the fourth one 25-17 and seal three points.

"I was sure that we would win here but getting a straight-sets victory was never guaranteed.DCI are a stubborn side and they have been improving with each season so we expected them to put up a fight. 

Playing them in the opener was perfect as it set the pace for us and helped us gauge how we will handle situations in upcoming matches. We are going for the title and nothing is stopping us," Kenya Pipeline head coach Paul Gitau said.

In the other women's match KCB had to fight hard to pick a 3-2 win against former champions Prisons Kenya and secure two points.

In the men's league, as if following a similar script from the women, Prisons won 3-1 against KPA while defending champions GSU had to fight for a 3-2 victory against KDF.

Coach Gideon Tarus attributed the team's performance to lack of rhythm in his squad owing to the long layoff since the regular league conclulded.

He, however, expressed confidence in the team's ability to win the two remaining matches and defend the title that would be a sixth consecutive championship for the paramilitary side. 

MATCH DAY 1 RESULTS

KENYA PIPELINE VS DCI 
3-1(25-16, 25-22, 25-27, 25-17)

KCB VS KENYA PRISONS
3-2(25-18, 22-25, 25-10, 24-26, 15-12)

GSU VS KDF 
3-2(25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 23-25, 15-11)

PRISONS KENYA VS KPA 
3-1(25-18, 25-21, 21-25, 25-18)

Tuesday Fixtures

KDF vs Prisons (Men) 10am

KPA vs GSU (Men) 12 noon

DCI vs KCB (Women) 2pm

Prisons vs Pipeline (Women) 4pm