Police VC were one set away from winning the national volleyball league championship until Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to win Game 4 of the finals series on Saturday at Petit Stade in the tiebreak (20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 15-7) and force a decisive Game 5 on Sunday. Coach Benon Mugisha’s REG struggled to match Police VC’s intensity early on, as the latter claimed the opening set 25-20. In the second set, REG attempted to respond to Police VC’s powerful attacks. Although Police outside hitter Elphas Makuto struggled to convert some of his chances, setter Brian Melly and middle blocker Frank Shyaka helped steady their team and guide them to a 25-22 win. The third set proved to be the turning point of the match. Police VC built a four-point lead and appeared on course to seal the victory, but a costly reception error shifted the momentum. Madol and Nicholas Matui capitalized as REG rallied to edge the set 25-23. REG carried that momentum into the fourth set, taking full control after a series of unforced errors from Police setter Melly. Matui, Madol, and Gisubizo led the charge offensively as REG won the set 25-21 to level the match at 2-2. In the decisive fifth set, REG maintained their dominance and cruised to a comfortable 15-7 victory to keep their title hopes alive. “It was a tough match, but we gave everything we had. Game 5 is tomorrow, and I call on our fans to come and support us,” REG setter Crispin Ntanteteri said after the win. Game 5 will be played on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Petit Stade.
