Police VC moved a step closer to the national volleyball league championship after a dominant win over APR in straight sets 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-23) in Game 1 of the best-of-three the finals series held at Petit Stade indoor gymnasium on Saturday. Police VC were too dominant over APR throughout the game, making a big statement about their title ambitions this season. Fred Musoni’s men were off to a flying start to the game and claimed the first set 25-17. The club’s duo receiving attacker Matheus Bettin, also known as 'Sekama,' along with Elphase Makuto, left Sammy Mulinge's squad struggling, as they lost their second set 25-18, putting APR at risk of being swept. APR started the third set leading the way as they look to win it and keep their hopes of winning alive. However, Police quickly fixed their mistakes as the pair went toe-to-toe until the set was tied to 23-23 before Police capitalized on APR’s mistakes late on to win the last two points and win the set 25-23. ALSO READ: Rutsindura Memorial tourney expands, attracts Ugandan teams After the first game of the finals, Fred Musoni, Police VC coach, reflected on their win in the best-of-three finals series against the army side. “Tactically, today's game was on our side, so APR missed their chances, but that doesn't mean they are weak. Last season, it wasn't easy because we hadn't reached the finals. This win means a lot, but it also gives us homework to come stronger for the next game, Musoni said. Earlier in the day, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) triumphed over Kepler in tiebreak to win Game 1 of the third-place series which determine who wins bronze. Despite losing their first and second sets to Rwanda Energy Group (REG) by 22-25 in both sets, Kepler fought back after coach Fidele Nyirimana introduced receiving hitter Pacifique Iradukunda to collaborate with opposite hitter Wickliffe Dusenge. The duo brought Kepler back in contention by winning the third and fourth sets on identical scores 25-21 and force the game into tiebreak. REG then strategized their defense to leave Kepler struggling, and went on to win the tiebreak 15-11. The finals games will resume after the Commemoration week of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
