Pipeline keen to wrap up women’s KVF league title

Pipeline determined to finish the job after winning Game One

by CHARLENE MALWA

Sports08 June 2025 - 16:37

In Summary

Pipeline cruised past DCI 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-14) in Game One, and play Game Two in the best-of-three finals on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.
Kenya Pipeline are now just a win away from reclaiming the crown, and captain Gladys Ekaru believes her side has what it takes to finish the job.

***Kenya Pipeline middleblocker Triza Atuka in action during the KVF finals playoffs at Kasarani stadium***

Kenya Pipeline are in the driving seat as they seek to wrap up the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League title following a strong start in Game One on Friday.

Pipeline cruised past DCI 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-14) in Game One and play Game Two in the best-of-three finals on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.

Kenya Pipeline are now just a win away from reclaiming the crown, and captain Gladys Ekaru believes her side has what it takes to finish the job.

She said, “We thank God for the win. DCI are a very good team, and I must admit we were under pressure in the first set."

She added, “I, however, talked to the players and we immediately put our act together. Our blocks and services worked well and gave us the upper hand.

Beating a strong team like DCI 3-0 is an advantage for us, and tomorrow, we look forward to nothing but a win,” she added.

Game Two is scheduled for Saturday at 2 pm, and should DCI bounce back, the decider will be played on Sunday.

Pipeline coach Geoffrey Omondi credited his side’s tactical discipline and on-court reading for the straight-sets win, though he remained cautious.

“This is a good win for us, as much as it’s not over,” he said. Omondi said: “DCI are a very strong team that can wake up tomorrow and turn the tables. Our services and block defence worked for us, and that’s how we were able to subdue them. DCI can never be underrated.”

Omondi added that he would adopt a more aggressive strategy in Game Two. “With this victory, one foot is already on the podium while the other is slowly dragging in. I will be more aggressive to subdue them further, because when you give them a chance, they may utilise it.”

DCI coach Patrick Sang rued the communication breakdown and poor reception that cost his side momentum.

“We didn’t play as expected due to a lack of proper communication on the court. Reception and blocks cost us,” he said. “But we’re optimistic. Tomorrow we will be playing at home, and that could work to our advantage. We’ve beaten Pipeline before, and we believe we can do it again.”