National Volleyball League
Nkumba University 3-1Sport-S (25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17)
Ndejje University 2-3 KAVC (25-17, 25-17, 21-25, 22-25, 13-15)
Otim Dickens’ inspirational display helped Nkumba University register a convincing 3-1 victory over arch-rivals, Sport-S in the opening fixture of the 2013 National Volleyball league played at the ultra modern MTN indoor arena, Lugogo on Saturday.
“It’s been down to team work that has driven my team to success over Sport-S tonight. I wish the boys continue to exhibit such a display all season round” team skipper Otim, who scored the bulk of Nkumba University’s points remarked shortly after the game.
Nkumba University won set one 25-22 before Sport-S levelled the proceedings 1 all with an incredible 21-25 come back. Sport-S’ wonderful attack of Patrick Musoke, Warren Muhangi and Luke Etit nearly won the third set for Sport-S as they led for much of the third set but a true fighting spirit from Nkumba University saw the Entebbe boys eventually claim the set with a 25-20 margin and establish a 2-1 lead.
Come the final set, Nkumba University introduced Veteran setter Tonny Lakony for Coach Player, Gayi Albert and the results were instant. His superb combination with attackers Otim Dickens, Moses Opio and Muhammed Angiro made easy work of a visibly tired looking Sport-S side whose ball reception on the night left a lot to be desired.
Eventually, the final whistle signal from International Referee Innocent Komakech indicated Nkumba University had won the set 25-17 to send wild cheers from the jubilant crowd, which endured a lengthy 2 hours and 39 minutes to watch the thriller.
Meanwhile, defending Champions Ndejje University, fresh from the African Clubs Championships in Madagascar started on a sour note as they lost 2-3 to a fresh looking KAVC side in the women’s opening league fixture of the season.
Ndejje University led the first two sets (25-17, 25-17) before KAVC won the subsequent third and fourth sets with 21-25 and 22-25 respectively.
KAVC absolutely stamped authority on the decisive fifth that was briefly interrupted by a 5 minute power black-out at the MTN Indoor Arena. They took it with a narrow 13-15 score line to send wild celebrations for the majority of their supporters in the stands.
Action continues next week with various games on card.