National Secondary Schools Boys’ volleyball champions Malava are on course to defend their trophy after winning their final match of group B in the ongoing Airtel Rising Stars Term Two B Games in Kisumu.
Malava dispatched Hospital Hill from Metropolitan region 3-1 in a repeat of last years’ final.
The Nzoia region champions, under the tutelage of experienced coach Shadrack Tovoko kicked off their final match on high winning the first two sets with ease in (25-16 and 25-21).
However, in the third set, Hospital Hill sneaked back in the game with a 25-23 win but could not replicate the same in the final round as they fell 25-17.
Tovoko said: “Experience gave us an upper hand, we are now focused on the semifinal match. We are not leaving anything to chance because this is a crucial stage in the tournament where we have to give our all.”
Tolovo’s side had beaten Mau’s Cheptil with the same margin on Wednesday to qualify for the last four with a game to spare.
Malava now face Tetu High which booked their ticket after beating Waa 3-1 (26,-24, 22-25, 18-25, and 22-25).
Cheptil from Mau will face off with Sengera from the Lake Region in another semi-final after thrashing Waberi from the Northern Region 3-0 (25-07, 25-06, and 25-06).
Daniel Aiyaibei, Cheptil coach said: “We are happy we have qualified of the semifinals. We want to reach the finals. We know the completion will be tight but we will do our best,” he added.
Sengera beat Kanyambora 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25 – 18) to secure a slot in the semis.
In girls’ volleyball, defending champions AIC Kosirai will face favorites and former champions Lugulu a tough semi-final fixture at Kisumu Boys.
Kosirai easily beat Furaha Mixed 3-0 (25-04, 25-23, and 25-03) to qualify as the second team from Pool ‘A’.
On their part, Lugulu won all their Pool ‘B’ matches.
In todays preliminary match, Lugulu beat Gankanga 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, and 25-10).
Giant killers Soweto from Nairobi ensured they finished top of group ‘A’ after a 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-16) win over St John’s Kaloleni.
Soweto faces St Anne’s Sega from Lake Region in the semi-final.
Sega secured the position by thrashing Tetu from the Aberdare Region 3-0 (25- 12, 25 – 15, 25- 16).