UTB have sent early warning to rivals ahead of the 2019/2020 volleyball league season after beating champions REG to clinch the preseason tournament on Sunday.

The versity side, UTB, lifted the title at Gisagara Gymnasium following a five-set thriller victory as the club’s spiker Samuel ‘Tyson’ Niyogisubizo claimed the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Fidele Nyirimana’s side took the opening set 26-24, but REG quickly responded to win the second 31-29. Again, UTB took the lead with a third 25-20 set before REG fought back by a similar score-line in the fourth set to force the game into the decisive tie-breaker.

Inspired by MVP Niyogisubizo and former REG star Olivier Ntagengwa, UTB showed no mercy to Benon Mugisha’s side in the fifth set, dominating 15-9 to win their first preseason title.

UTB had reached the title match after seeing off Kirehe in semi-finals while REG saw off then holders Gisagara.

Meanwhile, hosts Gisagara finished third after beating Kirehe in four (3-1) sets in the third-place playoff.

The new league season kicks off on Saturday, November 9.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com