Kenya Pipeline thump Prisons to send finale into tie-breaker

Kenya Pipeline on Saturday edged Kenya Prisons in straight sets at Kasarani Indoor Arena to revive their hopes of defending the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) women's league title.

The Oilers were on a mission, striking first through Marion Sokoiyo who unleashed a powerful attack, leaving Prisons' back court defense with no chance.

Pipeline continued their dominance to lead 12-7, forcing Prisons' head coach Josp Barasa into making early substitutions with setter Mackline Okoko and attacker Pauline Ito paving the way for Yvonne Wavinya and Herma Jepyego.

However, things only got worse as in-form Pipeline attacked relentlessly through veterans Leonidah Kasaya and Noel Murambi leading them to 22-12 before Barasa called for another time-out for Kenya Prisons.

The former champions failed to capitalize on the short break as they went on to lose 25-12.

The second set produced a similar show and although the Wardresses showed improvement in their attacks and reception, they couldn't match their nemesis, losing 25-21.

Similar to the first set, Pipeline drew the first blood but Prisons quickly responded to make it 1-1.

The set was tightly contested with both teams attacking but a desperate Barasa wanted more from his girls, substituting middle blocker Ann Lowem for Shyrine Jepkemboi.

The gamble failed to pay off as the Oilers stung further, forcing him to call for a first timeout when they were down 15-12.

This time, they capitalized on the short break to cut the deficit to 18-17 before forcing Kenya Pipeline into a time-out.

The time-out worked in favour of the reigning champions as they held on to win 25-21.

Kenya Prisons tried to fight back again in the third set but were dealt a major blow when experienced left attacker Pamela Masaisai was stretched off.

They eventually lost 25-18 with the Oilers forcing the match into a decisive tiebreaker staged on Sunday.

Kenya Pipeline will have a chance to defend their title after a disappointing start in the best-of-three series' finale with the Wadresses looking to bounce back from today's defeat as they seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2021.