By Richard Bishumba

Sunday

Final: Men

Sport-S          1-3     INATEK

Women

Ndejje           1-3     RRA

Institute of Agriculture and Technology of Kibungo (INATEK) and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) overwhelmed Ugandan opponents to win the 2015 NSSF/KAVC International Memorial Tournament on Sunday in Kampala.

INATEK, making their fourth consecutive appearance at the annual tournament defeated Sport-S 3-1 (25-20, 25-27, 25-22 and 25-19) to claim the men’s title, their second since 2013—the Rwandan team also lost in the final last year.

The 2012 beaten finalists, Sport-S won the first set 25-20 but Dominique Ntawangundi’s team led by Olivier Ntagengwa, Vincent Dusabimana and Yves Mutabazi, bounced to win the next three sets; 27-25, 25-22 and 25-19 in that order.

INATEK reached the final after revenging from last year’s final loss to thrash Sky volleyball club of Uganda 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 25-22) in semi-finals while Sport-S brushed aside compatriots Rukizo 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-17) in the other semi-final.

In the third place play-off, Rukinzo beat Sky in five sets 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21 and 15-13) to claim the bronze medal.

In women category, Rwanda Revenue Authority, who were the only foreign side at the two-day competition, dominated the Ugandan clubs to retain the title after beating Ndejje University 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 23-25 and 25-11) in the final.

To make the final, RRA won 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, and 19-17) against Vision Volleyball Camp (VVC) while Ndejje saw off Nkumba 3-2 (31-33, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 and 12-15). In the third place playoff, VVC defeated Nkumba 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 25-12, 21-25, 15-4).

Rwanda’s international right-attacker Olivier Ntagengwa was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament while Rwanda Revenue Authority’s Seraphine Mukantambara claimed the women’s accolade.

Champions INATEK and RRA walked away with trophies and US$1000 in prize money, while beaten finalists Sport-S and Ndejje pocketed US$ 500. Rukinzo and VVC were given US$ 300 each.