Kenya Pipeline spank DCI to scent volleyball title

Despite DCI running Pipeline close in the first two sets, the Oilers prevailed 25-19 and 25-20 before putting the game beyond reach for the sleuths with a huge upper cut in the third set with a 25-14 victory.

The win gave Geoffrey Omondi-coached side a comfortable cushion ahead of the return leg on Saturday with a second win confirming the Oilers as the champions for the first time since 2022.

If DCI, who are eyeing their first ever women’s league glory, get one up on Pipeline on Saturday, the final will go the full distance on Sunday in the decider tie.

DCI coach Patrick Sang admitted disappointment in the team’s performance, attributing the loss to poor communication on court.

“We did not play as we expected. We had poor communication. With the spirit the ladies had, we expected a win but fell short.”

“Tomorrow we’ll be the home side, and we are going to beat them. We’ll correct those communication errors. We beat them in the league, and we can do it again,” he said.

His opposite number Omondi praised his charges for executing the game plan well, but remained cautious ahead of the second leg.

“This is a good win for us, although it’s not over. DCI is a strong team that can bounce back.”

“Today our serves worked, our block defence worked and that’s why we subdued their main attackers and had an easier game. But we know DCI is a tricky team. If you give them a chance, they can be dangerous.”

By virture of reachening the final, the two teams have already booked their tickets for next year’s African Volleyball Club Championships.

Pipeline defeated reigning champions KCB in the semi-finals while DCI stunned former champions Kenya Prisons in Mombasa last month.