Prisons had threatened to come from two sets down to tie the game 2-2, but they let off a six-point lead late in the fourth set to see Pipeline roar back and claim the victory.
Pipeline had easily won the first two sets 25-16, 25-23, but Prisons pushed them to the wall to win the third set 25-18.
They were 21-15 up in the fourth set and looked well on course to take the game to the tie breaker, but a series of errors and nerves saw them lose the lead as the Oilers finally won26-24.
Pipeline head coach Paul Gitau was relieved with his side’s victory, and lauded his squad depth for the victory.
“We are facing very tough matches because every team wants to beat the defending champions. Prisons gave us a very tough challenge but what I am happy is that in my team, I have everyone who is able to come and play in the same tempo. We have a good squad depth,” the tactician said.
He added; “We were punished because of our own mistakes on the service and net defense and once the opponent starts to score more points, then they grow in belief and get motivation that they can do it. But we maintained our calm and fought till the end.”
Pipeline had an easy time in the first set, as they comfortably won 25-16.
In the second set, Prisons’ engine started to warm up. The Oilers had gone on to open a six point lead as they went 21-15 up and seemed to be steamrolling to another easy set win.
However, Josp Baraza, the Prisons coach, called a time out and they managed to get on a 5-1 scoring run, taking the score to 22-20.
But Pipeline quickly regrouped with Triza Atuka’s brilliant block and a strong stinger from Pamela Adhiambo taking the score to 24-20, within match winning point.
Prisons rallied with three points to take the tally to 24-23, but an error on net defense killed their hope of taking the set as Pipeline won 25-23.
In the third set, Prisons were on a roll. They led 8-3 prompting for a time out from Gitau. But, it did little to correct the damage as Prisons opened a seven-point gap with a 15-8 lead . But, Pipeline cut down that lead to three at 16-13, prompting another time out from the Prisons camp.
They tightened the loose ends and managed to see off the game, Yvonne Wavinya’s stinging spike winning them the set 25-18.
In the fourth set, Prisons built on that momentum and took charge of the game, and were leading 21-16 to reach within striking distance of a leveller.
But, Pipeline clawed back after calling a time out, the strong Pamela doing them justice with some strong hits. But, Prisons kept their charge, with libero Elizabeth Wanyama showing her experience with some brilliant reception.
With the tension rising, Prisons led 24-23 and were within match point with Joy Luseneka serving. However, the skipper hit the net and from there, Pipeline took advantage with two vital blocks that won them points and the game, the set ending 26-24.
