DCI QUEENS BATTLE KCB IN THE KENYA CUP VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

After a nail-biting five-set thriller at the Nyayo Indoor Arena, DCI stumbled to KCB by 2 sets to 3 in the second preliminary stage match of the Kenya Cup Volleyball Tournament.

The much-anticipated clash of titans drew volleyball enthusiasts from every corner of the capital. The bankers were seeking revenge for the Kipchumba Karori International Volleyball semifinals in Eldoret, when the detectives knocked them out in yet another 5-set encounter.

Coach Patrick Sang kept his first-team lineup unchanged; it was identical to that which did the magic in Eldoret, donning their favourite blue DCI jerseys. After a jigsaw change of the lead in the first set, Coach Sang called a tactical timeout with the game tied at 22. The call pumped an unwavering composure to the players holding off a late surge by the bankers to clinch the win by 25 to 23.

Opposite hitter Mercy Iminza and left attacker Sarah Namisi turned on their 'wings to fly' linking up with setter Jane Mumbua interchangeably to set the arena into loud cheers with their masterful attacks, asserting early dominance in the second set.

The queens stormed into an early lead and maintained it to bag a second set by 25 to 19. Not even the power interruptions could save the bankers from the surging detectives.

With everything to fight for, the bankers did not relent. They respond with fierce precision to win the third and fourth sets, tying the game at two sets. All eyes turned to the fifth tiebreaker set.

It was unclear who would carry the day with both teams exchanging lead three times. Tied at 12 points, both coaches had exhausted their timeouts. However, the bankers utilised an extra substitution to their full advantage; a move that narrowly edged out the detectives by 13 to 15 points winning them the tightly contested game.

Gutted, the detectives left the stage with their heads high, having left everything on the court. They will now face debutants A Plus in the last group stage match of the Kenya Cup.

Cheering on the girls, Staffing Officer Personnel I, Mr Muriuki Raaria expressed delight in the fight put up by the girls urging them to remain united as a team even in the loss.

The Queens tilt fire to the upcoming Confederation of Africa Zone V games in February where they look to make an indelible mark in their first appearance.