Prions Kenya lose unbeaten run but still top KVF league standings after third leg

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men league champions Prisons Kenya might have lost their unbeaten record in the league, but the wardens are on course to defend their title as they have already put on the board enough points to secure a slot in the play-offs.

Prisons lost 3-2 to archrivals General Service Unit (GSU) on Saturday during the third leg action of the national league played at the Basketball gymnasium and the volleyball court at Nyayo Stadium.

The victory after an epic five set battle might have felt like sweet revenge for coach Gideon Tarus and his GSU players after Prisons Kenya beat them to the title last season, but for Tarus winning at the league title is his main target.

Before the match, Tarus had said it was only important for his side to study the opponent and even if he had lost the match, the most important thing was the lessons picked from the encounter.

“My main aim is to reclaim the league title. We are in the third leg of the league and we are playing to make sure we book a slot in the playoffs which will give us an opportunity to try and win the league title once again, “ Tarus said before the match against Prisons Kenya.

Eight teams will qualify for the playoffs at the end of the season and so far the champions Prisons Kenya lead the standings with GSU, Kenya Ports Authority and Equity in hot pursuit.

On his part Prisons Kenya coach Dennis Mokua was also happy with the show from his boys despite the loss and he was even more happy that he was able to play two youngsters against their main rivals.

Youngsters Regan Otieno and Kely Soita were given a chance to show what they can do in the league after having good show in the school games for Namwela and they didn’t disappoint in the high pressure match against GSU.

The two are slowly fitting into the slots that were vacated by last season’s MVP Dennis Esokon and Elphas Makuto.

The showdown between the two top sides last season did not disappoint as fans were kept at the edge of the seats on Saturday.

GSU took an early lead by with victory in the first set 25-19, but Prisons showed why they are the champions as they secured the second and third sets in 25-20 and 25-23.

GSU would have the last laugh though as they won the tie breaker 15-13.

After GSU's impressive performance in the fourth set, the match concluded with GSU emerging victorious in the fifth set 15-13.

KPA who are also tipped to be in the front seat in the battle for the title showed why they will be the team to beat with easy wins.

KPA won in straights sets against Nairobi Prisons, Western Prisons and Rift Valley Prisons.

Equity who also shocked many by winning the Kipchumba Karori Cup last December showed why they will also be among the favourites for the title by winning all their matches at the third leg league action.

Their match against GSU was however suspended in the third set due to lack of power at the gymnasium on Thursday.