East African University (EAUR) came from two sets down to complete a 3-2 stunning comeback over APR in a gripping encounter at Petit Stade Indoor Gymnasium on Sunday, December 1. EAUR lost the first two sets (17-25, 17-25) in a match that was characterised by intense rallies and momentum shifts, before coming back to win the third 25-22 and fourth 25-20 to level the game and force it to the tie break which they eventually won 15-11. The opening set set the tone for an intense battle, with both teams exchanging points in a tightly contested affair. APR relied on their disciplined defense to counter EAUR’s powerful attacks, while the latter showcased excellent tactical serving to keep their opponents under pressure. As the set approached its climax, APR capitalized on a series of unforced errors from EAUR, including a critical service error at 25-17 victory. EAUR entered the second set with renewed energy, showcasing a well-coordinated offensive strategy that put APR on the back foot. Their middle blockers were instrumental in closing down APR ’s attacks early on, giving EAUR an early lead. However, APR's outside hitters stepped up with sharp spikes and smart placements, gradually eroding EAUR 's advantage. In the final stretch, APR executed a decisive comeback, winning the set 25-17. The third set was a spectacle, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. APR appeared to be in control for most of the set, maintaining a slim lead through a mix of powerful serves and clever net play. However, EAUR refused to back down, mounting a dramatic comeback fueled by their strong defensive digs and counter-attacks. In a nerve-wrecking finish, EAUR edged past APR 25-22, leaving their opponents stunned and on the brink of defeat. EAUR elevated their game in the fourth set with a commanding performance. Their aggressive blocks and precise attacks left APR scrambling to find answers. EAUR’s hitters dominated at the net, repeatedly breaking through APR’s defense to accumulate points rapidly. The set ended 25-20 in EAUR 's favor, a one-sided affair that underlined their determination to extend the match to a decider. The decisive set was a pulsating showdown, with both teams pushing their limits in pursuit of victory. EAUR started strong, taking an early lead through well-placed serves and coordinated team play. APR, however, fought back, relying on their attacking power to stay within striking distance. The set saw incredible rallies that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, EAUR ’s composure in the critical points made the difference, as they clinched the set 15-11 and secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory in an unforgettable match. ALSO READ: Kepler topple EAU as Ruhango women dominate RP-Huye Earlier in the day, in the women’s category, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) defeated Ruhango Volleyball Club (RVC) in straight sets, winning 3-0 (25-24, 25-21, 25-16). Ruhango showcased their attacking prowess throughout the match, with their outside hitters dominating the net and a rock-solid defense that left Ruhango struggling to find gaps. Rwanda Polytechnic Huye (RPH) fell short against Wisdom School (WSD), losing 0-3 (11-25, 16-25, 18-25), while APR put up a commanding 3-0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12) victory against EAU. The highlight of the women’s matches was the thrilling showdown between Police Volleyball Club (PVC) and Kepler (KEP), which ended in Police’s favor with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-17). In the men’s category, Rwanda Polytechnic Ngoma (RP-Ngoma) had a remarkable outing, clinching a hard-fought 3-0 (25-11, 25-22, 25-24) victory against Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC). RP-Ngoma relied on their resilience and exceptional blocking to edge past their opponents, with clutch plays in tight moments helping them secure a win in three straight-set. Elsewhere, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) dominated Gisagara VC in five-set thriller (28-26, 22-25, 17-25,25-20,15-9).
