Police VC fought back from a set down to defeat APR VC in a thrilling National Volleyball League encounter at a packed Petit Stade indoor gymnasium on Friday. The victory saw both Police men’s and women’s teams climb to the top of the regular-season standings in their respective categories after securing crucial wins over their APR counterparts. In the men’s league, Police recovered from losing the opening set to claim a 3-1 victory, winning 23-25, 25-17, 26-24 and 25-19. APR made a strong start, displaying defensive resilience against Police’s attacking threats, led by Brazilian duo Saymon Feitosa and Matheus Bettim, alongside Kenyan outside hitter Elphas Makuto. The two sides traded points in a closely contested opening set, but APR captain Prince Kanamugire proved influential, delivering crucial blocks and attacking points to guide his team to a 25-23 win. Police, however, responded emphatically in the second set. Coach Fred Musoni’s side tightened its defence and improved its marking of APR’s key attackers, including Denis Ireke, Sam Niyonshima and Wicklif Dusenge. APR coach Sammy Mulinge attempted to shift the momentum by replacing Dusenge and Niyonshima with Hakeem Mukailah and D’Amour Munyamahoro. However, the changes failed to halt Police’s resurgence as the hosts took the set 25-17 to level the match. Police carried their momentum into the third set, maintaining their defensive discipline while relying on Frank Shyaka, the Best Middle Blocker at the 2026 African Men’s Club Championship, to strengthen their presence at the net. APR also made further adjustments, introducing Vincent Mbonigaba and bringing Dusenge back into the game. But Police remained composed, with Bettim delivering crucial points to help his side edge the closely contested set 26-24 and move within one set of victory. Police maintained control in the fourth set, continuing to apply pressure on their opponents before wrapping up the match with a 25-19 win to register their fourth consecutive league victory. “It was an important game that we needed to win. The way we secured this victory was by taking their key players out of the game. That does not take away from the fact that APR are a strong team, but today, we are the winners,” Musoni said after the match. In another men’s encounter, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) swept RP-Ngoma aside in straight sets, winning 25-19, 25-14 and 25-20. Meanwhile, Police WVC also pulled off an impressive result, defeating reigning champions APR WVC in four sets (26-24, 25-21, 21-25, 25-19). The victory propelled Police WVC to the top of the women’s regular-season standings. League action continues on Saturday, November 14, at Petit Stade, with four matches scheduled. Saturday fixtures Women RRA vs Kepler WVC – 10am Ruhango WVC vs RP-Huye – 12pm Men EAUR vs KVC – 2:30pm Gisagara VC vs Kirehe VC – 5pm
