The unbeaten streak of Police VC in the 2024-25 Rwanda Volleyball National League came to a dramatic end on Friday night as the determined APR team defeated them in a thrilling four-set match at Petit Stade.
APR, the defending champions, avenged their 3-0 loss in the first leg of the season by handing Police their first defeat of the year.
Police, who had only conceded two sets in their first eight league games, came out strong and clinched the first set 25-18, showing early signs of maintaining their unbeaten record.
However, APR, led by Sammy Mulingye, fought back and refused to let Police dominate. The second set was a back-and-forth battle, and at 23-23, APR capitalized on their momentum, claiming the final two points to win 25-23 and tie the match at 1-1.
In the third set, APR came out with renewed determination, aiming to be the first team to win a second set against Police. They succeeded, securing the set 25-21 and taking a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth set, full of energy and confidence.
The fourth set saw standout performances from Vincent Mbonigaba, the middle blocker, and Merci Gisubizo, the outside hitter, who stepped up in place of Denis Esokon, who had been leading the team since the start of the match.
Their efforts helped secure crucial blocks and contain Police’s top player, Elphas Makuto.APR narrowly edged out Police 25-23 in the final set, making history as the first team to defeat Police in the 2024-25 season of the Rwanda Volleyball National League.
Despite the loss, Police remains at the top of the standings with an 8-1 record and 24 points, while APR follows behind with 18 points from one fewer game.
In the women’s category, Police WVC claimed a straight-set victory over APR.
Police’s Christian Hatumimana showed no mercy against Peter Kamasa’s side, who had come from one game down to beat Police and claim the league title in last season’s playoffs.
The win keeps Police WVC in close pursuit of the unbeaten RRA, who cruised to a 3-0 victory over EAUR.
Volleyball action continues this Saturday at both Petit Stade and NPC Gymnasium, with Gisagara facing EAUR, who shocked them in the first-leg match.
Photos: Derio
