Rwanda Energy Group (REG) had to come from two sets down to record an important 3-2 win over bitter rivals Gisagara at Amahoro Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
Two-time reigning champions Gisagara beat REG by the same score-line in the first-leg clash, of the ongoing 2018/2019 National Volleyball League, last November.
Gisagara started the game brightly and took the first two sets 25-23 25-23 and it looked as though Dominique Ntawangundi’s side were going to sweep the black-and-red outfit in straight sets.
However, Benon Mugisha’s men, powered by the epic combination of skipper Flavien Ndamukunda, left-attacker Olivier Ntagengwa, centre blocker Marshal Kwizera and setter Peacemaker Twagirayezu, quickly regrouped to pull one set back 25-22 and force the game into the fourth set.
And, they never looked back.
Things could only get worse for the visitors as REG effortlessly claimed the fourth set 25-6 before clinching the tie-break set 15-9 to register their sixth win after seven games this season.
Following the victory of University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) in four (3-1) sets over IPRC-West and 3-0 win against IPRC-East, the Kicukiro-based side top the table with 20 points, one point ahead of second-placed REG and third-placed Gisagara, both level at 19 points.
Elsewhere on Saturday, strugglers Kirehe upset former champions APR in straight (3-0) sets to record their second victory this season while IPRC-East beat IPRC-West in four sets.
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