APR VC emerged winners of the 22nd Rutsindura Memorial Tournament after defeating rivals Rwanda Energy Group VC in a thrilling five-set final played at Gisagara Gymnasium on Sunday.

APR staged a strong comeback to seal the title, winning the decisive tiebreak set 15-9 after the two sides had shared the opening four sets 22-25, 25-18, 25-14 and 22-25.

REG made a bright start and claimed the opening set 25-22, capitalising on APR’s defensive lapses and applying relentless pressure with their serves. APR responded impressively in the second set, improving their blocking and attacking combinations to level the match with a 25-18 victory.

The military side maintained the momentum in the third set, dominating REG 25-14 through quick transitions and powerful finishes at the net. REG, however, refused to back down and edged APR 25-22 in the fourth set to force a decisive tiebreak.

APR ultimately proved stronger in the final set, closing out a 15-9 win to lift the trophy.

Earlier in the day, Gisagara VC secured the bronze medal after edging Police VC 3-2 in another entertaining encounter. Gisagara won with set scores of 23-25, 25-18, 13-25, 25-17 and 15-6.

The women’s category was cancelled after several clubs failed to confirm participation. Rwanda Revenue Authority Women’s Volleyball Team became the latest side to withdraw, leaving RP-Huye WVC as the only team available for the competition.

The annual tournament is held in honour of Alphonse Rutsindura, a former teacher at Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis in Huye District.