APR retain Genocide Memorial crown

Men’s finalAPR 3-0 KVC (25-22, 25-22, 25-18)Women’s finalKAVC 3-0 KCC (25-19, 25-20, 25-18) APR were in scintillating form as they defended their Genocide Memorial crown last evening at Amahoro. The army side that is fast becoming a force to reckon on the local and regional scene humbled bitter rivals Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18) in a best of five final played in front of about 2000 spectators. The historic win came after 91minutes of action. In the opening set, it was a close fight and could have gone either way. Early on, KVC were the more aggressive side thanks to Jean Marie Nsengiyumva’s double block system which worked perfectly as they managed to keep APR’s key attacker Lawrence Yakan quiet. In fact, it was no surprise when the Rafiki based club took a 9-4 lead at the first technical timeout (FTT). However, APR’s coach Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye, also a former club and national team captain, re-organised his team and APR swiftly crawled back into the game. The teams went on to tie 21 before the defending champions pulled through 25-22. APR were also made to work hard for their second set victory (25-22) but the third set came quite easily for them. KVC tried to fight back but it was too late as APR sealed off a well deserved 25-18 set win. UNR finished third after beating Uganda’s Sport S in the third place play-off. APR, who also beat KVC in last year’s final walked away with half million francs while KVC settled for Rwf0.3 millions. The ladies’ crown however continued to elude local clubs as Kampala Amateur Volleyball Club (KAVC) lifted the trophy after a 3-0 set win over Kampala City Council in what was an all Ugandan final. Like in the men’s category, KAVC and KCC pocketed Rwf0.5 millions and Rwf0.3 millions respectively. The two-day event, jointly sponsored by CNLG and Caisse Sociale du Rwanda was held in honour of volleyball players, coaches and fans that lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis. Ends

National

APR retain Genocide Memorial crown