Volleyball League 2021: Kenya Prisons retain women’s crown

Defending champions Kenya Prisons, once again, faced off with bitter rivals Kenya Commercial Bank in the penultimate match of the Kenya Volleyball Federation 2021 Women’s League title.

Star-studded Kenya Prisons prevailed over bankers KCB to keep the trophy for good following the high-octane tie played over the weekend at the Makande Indoor Gymnasium, Mombasa.

Prisons dethroned Kenya Pipeline from the title in 2018, won it in 2019 but did not defend it last year due to Covid-19 pandemic which saw the 2020 season chalked off.

The champions, who paraded both experienced and youthful players, were in a class of their own wrapping up the four set thriller 3-1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-21 and 25-17).

The first set was a see-saw affair with both teams exchanging the lead before Prisons grabbed the set.

Malkia Strikers captain Mercy Moim and hard-hitting spiker Sharon Kiprono were the stand-out performers for KCB, who are coached by Japheth Munala, while Prisons had Captain Blackcides Agala, Lydia Maiyo and Ann Lowem starring.

In the third-place match, former champions Kenya Pipeline easily dismissed the Directorate of Criminal Investigation in straight sets of 25-12, 25-13 and 25-19.

In the men’s category, Kenya Ports Authority settled for third slot after defeating Kenya Defence Forces; the dockers showing little respect for the paramilitary side they whitewashed 25-14, 25-17 and 25-18.

PHOTO/COURTESY