Rwanda Energy Group Volleyball Club (REG) secured their first win in the national volleyball league playoffs after surviving a decisive tie-break against Kepler Volleyball Club, winning 21–25, 25–14, 23–25, 25–21, 15–13 at Petit Stade on Saturday.

The match began evenly, with Kepler, coached by Jean Patrick Ndaki, taking the opening set 25–21. REG responded strongly in the second set, dominating 25–14 to level the match.

However, Kepler quickly regrouped to regain the lead. Wicklif Dusenge and Puerto Rican opposite hitter Jair Santiago pushed REG to their limits as Kepler matched their opponents point for point and capitalized on REG’s mistakes to win the third set 25–23.

REG fought back once again, taking the fourth set 25–21 to force a decisive tie-break.

In the final set, Kepler initially controlled the game, but key decisions by REG setter Crispin Ntanteteri, supported by Sudanese middle blocker Madol Ayany Marker, helped turn the score in REG’s favor as they sealed the set 15–13.

"This game was really tough, honestly. No team reaches the playoffs without merit, but despite all the struggles, I thank God for today’s win,” Ntanteteri told Times Sport.

In another playoff match, Police Volleyball Club, led by right attacker Elphas Makuto, defeated Gisagara Volleyball Club in four sets (27–25, 25–19, 26–28, 25–16).

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Earlier in the women’s playoffs, APR Women Volleyball Club and Police Women Volleyball Club also secured their first victories in the best-of-five series.

APR defeated Rwanda Revenue Authority Women Volleyball Club 25–17, 25–18, 25–23, while Police beat Kepler Women Volleyball Club 25–23, 30–28, 25–14.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will meet again in Game 2 on Tuesday, March 17, as the playoff series continues.