NAIROBI, Kenya, May 10- Local teams, Pipeline, Prisons and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) recorded convincing victories during the opening day of CAVB African Clubs Championships that started in Nairobi on Thursday.
Pipeline recorded their first victory of the tournament following 3-0 (25-2, 25-14, 25-4) rout of Manga Sport of Gabon at Moi International Sports Center (MISC) gymnasium.
Pipeline parading their experienced players like Asha Makuto, Lucy Chege and Catherine Wanjiru were no match for inexperienced Manga Sports of Gabon who were beaten with little resistance in the first set that ended 25-2.
The former champions made several unforced errors in the second set which saw Manga go down at 25-14 for the hosts to gain two sets advantage.
The third set was a one-sided affair as Pipeline’s powerful attackers easily penetrated Manga’s defense to win 25-4 and claim the match.
NR Chlef rounded off Nkumba University students from Uganda with straight sets of 25-18, 25-11, 25-7 to exert pressure on Pipeline in Pool ‘A’ that has four teams.
In Pool B, defending champions Kenya Prisons saw off Canon Sports of DR Congo in straight sets of 25-10, 25-18, 25-13 in a match played at African Nazarene University.
In Pool ‘C’, Stef of Madagascar overcame Water Sport of Ethiopia with straight sets of 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 to bring their day one win-loss record to 1-0.
Youthful Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) led by towering Gaudencia Makokha hit Stella on Cote d Voire 3-0 (25-9, 25-10, 25-17) in the other Pool ‘C’ match at MISC.
In Pool ‘D’ Mafolofolo of Botswana rallied to beat Daring Club Motema Pembe 3-1 (24-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-17) to show their seriousness in vying for the title at Nazarene University hall.
Nigeria team Blue Angels also won their opening match in Pool ‘D’ following 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-15) victory over DGSP of Congo.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
Pipeline (Ken) v Manga Sport (Gab) 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-18)
NR Chlef (Alg) v Nkumba (Uga) 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-7)
POOL B
Prisons (Ken) v Canon (DRC) 3-0 (25-10, 25-18, 25-13)
FAB (Cam) v Jeshi Stars (Tan)
POOL C
Stef (Mad) Water Sport (Eth) 3-0 (25-20, 25-21 25-18)
KCB (Ken) v Stella (CIV) 3-0 (25-9, 25-10, 25-17)
POOL D
Mafolofolo (Bot) v DCMP (DRC) 3-1 (24-26, 25-13, 25-20, 25-17)
Angels (Nig) v DGSP (Con) 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-15)
