Police VC turned the scores in their favor against Kepler VC, claiming the victory in the tiebreak (19–25, 25–18, 25–17, 19–25, 15–13) in a dramatic match held at Petit Stade on Friday.
ALSO READ: Weekend in sports: APR, Police square off as Rwanda Epic hits climax
Kepler VC came in the match looking determined to protect its second berth in the regular season. They started brightly and took the first set 25–19.
Fred Musoni’s men were yet to hit the form until setter Brian Melly and opposite hitter Elphas Makuto found their rhythm, helping Police to claim second and third sets 25–18 and 25–17 respectively.
The lead put the law enforcers in pole position to win the match. However, Wycliff Dusenge and his teammates rallied back to bring the game even after winning the fourth set 25-19 and force the match into the tiebreak.
With 13-10 ahead, Police put themselves in a position to win the tiebreak until Kepler scored three straight points to make it 13-13.
Volleyball prodigy Patrick Ishimwe then rose to the occasion and scored a set point that sealed 15–13 in Police VC’s favor.
It was a sweet win for Police VC captain Eric Kwizera who was returning from injury in October.
"If we lost this match, it would cost us a lot. But I also thank my teammates for being there me,” Kwizera told Times Sport after the match.
ALSO READ: Police VC coach sweats over Kwizera’s fitness
In other fixtures, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) closed Phase 1 of the league on a high note after defeating APR VC 3–2 (25–16, 18–25, 19–25, 25–14, 15–11).
Earlier in the day, Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) swept RP Ngoma in three straight sets (29–27, 25–21, 25–16) at Ecole Notre Dame des Anges.
In the women’s category, APR WVC closed the phase unbeaten after defeating Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) 3–0 (25–21, 25–21, 25–12) in their sixth and final game of the phase.
The last fixtures of Phase 1 will shift to Ste Famille Gymnasium on Saturday.
Women
Kepler WVC vs RP-Huye – 10am
Police WVC vs Ruhango WVC – 12pm
Men
Gisagara VC vs Kirehe VC – 2pm
East African University Rwanda (EAUR) vs RP-Ngoma – 4pm
Police VC vs Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) – 6pm