Holders GSU snap KVF league poor start in NYS rout

The holders, who lost their first two matches in the first leg of the new season, romped to their maiden victory in sets of 25-22, 25-21 and 25-19.

The paramilitary side were stunned 3-2 sets (21-25, 25-22, 25-21, 24-26, 15-5) by KAPU in a dramatic comeback match in their season opener before suffering a straight sets loss against Trailblazers in their second fixture of the new season.

As GSU dust themselves up following a false start, their arch-rivals and former champions, Kenya Prisons, continued with their bright start, steamrolling Kenya Police Unit Volleyball Club in straight sets on Friday to extend their lead at the top of the log.

It was a masterclass performance from the wardens, who, through sharp serves, solid blocks and clinical finishing, easily disarmed Kenya Police Unit in sets of 25-21, 25-21, 25-17.

After edging out stubborn NYS 3-1 sets on Thursday, unbeaten Kenya Prisons extended their lead to 18 points after five matches.

At the same venue, AP Kenya overcame a resilient Kenya Army by 3-1 sets (25-20, 22-25, 25-21, 26-24) in a hard-fought encounter on the second day of the second leg.

AP Kenya team manager Julius Njuguna however warned his side must raise their standards after being pushed to the limit.

The match showcased APK's depth and composure in key moments, as they recovered from dropping the second set to seal the win in a nail-biting fourth set.

APK's superior serving and blocking proved decisive, though Kenya Army's spirited comeback in the second and fourth sets highlighted their growing threat.

Njuguna, reflecting on the performance, admitted the opposition's improvement caught APK off guard and emphasised the need for intensified training to dominate future matches more convincingly.

“From what we have seen from Kenya Army, we need to go back and train because we have been beating them for some time and right now they have caught up with us we didn’t expect that, so when we go back to the camp, we’ll do more in training so that when we meet other teams, we make it 3-0,” Njuguna said.

The APK manager's call for sharper preparation highlights the tightening competition in the league, where his team aims to challenge for top honours amid a packed second leg.

His opposite number William Wahome pinpointed errors in reception and service as costly, vowing to address them ahead of upcoming fixtures.

“For now they have overpowered us, we have noted our mistakes, which some time is at receptions and some other times we give away our services so when go back we will prepare ourselves so that we play better in the games ahead,” Wahome stated.

In other matches, ELDOWAS defeated Prison Rift Valley 3-1 (25-19, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20), maintaining their solid form in the standings.