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National Volleyball League defending champions Ndejje Elites have moved a step closer to the finals after defeating KCCA 3-1 in Game One of the semi-finals played Sunday night at the Old Kampala Arena.
Sadat Waguma’s side bounced back after losing the first set to take the next three and set the pace in the best-of-three playoffs series.
Catherine Ainembabazi ran the show, the five-time champions, attacking from front and backcourt throughout the game.
The former VVC receiver-attacker was unplayable for the Kasasiro Girls, tearing through the porous block to get Ndejje back on course after faltering in the first set.
KCCA started on the front foot as team captain Eunice Amuron provided the early offence.
The largely one-sided first frame saw KCCA lead by seven (14-07) midway. Ndejje struggled to get the right first pass for offence while KCCA found gaps to exploit at the net.
By taking the first set 25-16, KCCA looked like the more prepared team for the occasion, but Ndejje started the second set on the front and got an early 07-03 lead.
KCCA cut the deficit to just one point (18-17) to force the defending champions into a timeout.
Ainembabazi rose from the backcourt to tear through the block and give Ndejje a two-point lead. Ndejje recovered to take the set 25-23 to level matters.
The university side carried the momentum into the third frame and led 10-06 as setter Phiona Naziite continued to connect with Ainembabazi for offence.
Shilla Omuriwe’s charges fought back to level at 13-all and force the Elites into a timeout.
Ndejje took the lead by winning the third set 25-22 and required one more frame to seal the victory.
KCCA’s key players struggled on the night, and despite the substitutions made, there was no coming back the moment stretched their lead to 14-06.
Margaret Namyalo and Zainah Kagoya were both cold on the night and will have to improve significantly in Game Two.
The two sides will meet again in two weeks, and KCCA will be in a must-win situation.
National Volleyball League Playoffs
Game one result
Women: 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 22-25, 15-25)
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