Saturday Gisagara 3 -0 APR REG 3-1 UTB REIGNING champions Gisagara overpowered APR in straight sets to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three semi-final series of the 2018 playoff games of the national volleyball league. Gisagara and former champions APR played a tightly contested and entertaining game at Gisagara Gymnasium, but the hosts, buoyed by their noisy fans, emerged 3-0 winners. Game 2 of the series will be held on May 12 at Amahoro nstadium. Fidèle Nyirimana’s Gisagara volleyball club claimed the three sets; 27-25, 25-17 and 27-25 respectively. “Our aim was to win the game and I’m happy we managed to. We had a shaky start, but refused to give up, and that’s what saved us from a home defeat. We need to prepare and be ready for the second game and a win will see us reach finals.” Nyirimana said in a post-match interview. In a separate interview, his APR counterpart, Sammy Mulinge, said: “It is unfortunate that we lost the game, we deserved better. The boys showed maturity and combative spirit. We will build on lessons learnt from today’s game to prepare for Game 2 at home.” In another semi-final clash, second-placed Rwanda Energy Group (REG) overcame University of Tourism Technology and Business Studies (UTB) in a four-set thriller at Amahoro stadium. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
