Former Kenya Volleyball Federation Women’s National League champions Kenya Prisons on Saturday beat the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 3-1 in a thrilling match played at the Nyayo Volleyball Court.

Keen to prove that they are indeed still a force to reckon with inspired the wardresses who were chasing their eighth victory.

Kenya Prisons are looking to recapture the title to reclaim the trophy that has evaded them for years. The win increased their chances of finishing in the top two. With a match at hand and 24 points, they are likely to finish on 27 points, which is one more than holders KCB Bank, who have 26.

Kenya Prisons were stronger in the first set, even as DCI, who until yesterday had only lost to defending champions KCB Bank being unable to contain them. Their impressive show would see them grab the set 25-15 and take a 1-0 lead. Determined to give the wardresses a run for their money, the sleuths improved to win the second set 25-19 and draw level.

The third set was tightly contested, with both sides cautious not to make mistakes. However, experience would see Kenya Prisons outsmart DCI to snatch the third set 25-23 and restore their lead.

DCI would fight hard in the fourth set in a bid to recover and set the game for the decisive fifth set, but Kenya Prisons ensured that they killed the game as they won the fourth set 25-21.

Kenya Prisons will play Maranatha Volleyball Club in their last match, while DCI will lock horns with former champions Kenya Pipeline.

The wardresses are likely to secure maximum points from a walkover for Marantha who are likely not to honour the match after they failed to show up yesterday for their match against KCB Bank.

DCI on the other hand, will face an acid test as they look to prove that they have come of age and can compete against the big three, especially after fumbling against KCB Bank and Kenya Prisons. A victory against Kenya Pipeline will boost their confidence ahead of the play-offs.

Kenya Army bagged a play-offs slot after seeing off Young Strikers in straight sets of 25-11, 25-4 and 25-7.

The victory saw them finish eighth on the standings with nine points from three wins and seven losses.

Team captain Damaris Chepkong said that they will work hard so they can play better in the play-offs.

“We will work hard in training so we can improve on our blocks, service and backcourt because we are still lacking in those areas,” Chepkong said.

Prisons Nairobi eased into the last eight without a fight thanks to a walkover after their opponents, Vihiga Volleyball Club failed to honour the match. They ended the regular season with 12 points from four wins and six defeats. Defending champions KCB Bank were also beneficiaries of a walkover. Their opponents were a no-show, giving them three easy points.