East African University (EAU) team showcased a dominant performance and pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Men’s National Volleyball League season when they stunned Gisagara VC in four sets (26-24, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23) on Saturday, October 26.
The match, held at Petit Stade indoor gymnasium, saw EAU’s efficient teamwork and strategic serving put continuous pressure on Gisagara who were struggling get their play together and got it late to adapt to the match.
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And it cost them the opening set. EAU, thanks to their strong offensive and powerful services, took control of the set which they eventually won 26-24.
But Gisagara started to regroup in the second set; their confidence was growing. Their consistent service aces and relentless attacks wore down EAU’s resistance, making it difficult for the latter to mount a counterattack. Skipper Gloire Niyonkuru and his teammates made their amends and pulled the game even after taking the second set 25-27.
Gisagara was at the time looking different, ready to build on the momentum. But EAU quickly made adjustments in the third set. They improved their passing and defense as they sought restore the lead which they eventually achieved after claiming the set 25-22.
Gisagara refused to give and they were eager to win the fourth set and force the game into a tiebreak. But outside hitter Jean Paul Nshuti proved his worth made his contribution notice, helping EAU cement the victory after taking the third set 25-23.
Earlier in the day, REG VC triumphed over RP Ngoma in four sets (25-13, 23-25, 25-16, 25-15).
In women’s category, Elie Mutabazi’s Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) secured a convincing win against East AFrican University (EAU) in four sets (25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 25-17). RRA’s experience and balanced attack proved too much for EAU WVC, as they dominated from the start to finish.
Elsewhere, Florien Siborurema and his league debutants Kepler WVC registered their first win of the season after beating fellow newcomers Wisdom School, another league newcomer, in three straight sets (25-15, 25-16, 25-19).
Action continues on Sunday where, in men’s category, Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) take on Kepler while, in women’s category, APR will face RP Huye. Police go up against Ruhango WVC.
The games were supposed to take place on Saturday but the local volleyball governing body decided to reschedule them as the fixture schedule seemed too hectic for lone venue, Petit Stade indoor gymnasium, to host.