Africa-Press – Kenya. Reigning East Africa 3×3 women’s champions United States International University Africa and Mount Kenya University were crowned women’s and men’s champions, respectively, during the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) play-offs staged at Kabarak University in Nakuru.
As part of their preparations to defend their regional crown next month at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, USIU edged past Strathmore University 16-15 in a tense women’s final to secure their ticket to the East Africa showpiece.
Team captain Alicia Mito said their title defence mission is firmly on course. “We came here to win this title, and we have achieved it. With the win, a new journey has begun on defending the East Africa title,” said Mito.
She noted the triumph was especially significant after missing out on last year’s national crown. “Now that Kenya is hosting the regional extravaganza, we need to fly the Kenyan flag high in Kakamega. We are embarking on training to ensure we secure back-to-back titles,” she added. In the semifinals, USIU eliminated the University of Nairobi 15-11, while Strathmore beat Kisii University 21-14.
In the men’s 3×3 final, Ray Onyango sank the decisive basket to hand MKU a narrow 21-20 win over Daystar University.
The contest had been locked at 20-20 before Onyango was fouled and calmly converted the winning point. MKU had earlier edged Murang’a University of Technology 17-16 in the semifinals, while Daystar overcame University of Embu 20-15.
In rugby sevens, the University of Kabianga and Kabarak University emerged champions after dramatic finals. Kabianga, coached by Steve Okello, clinched the women’s title with a hard-fought 5-0 victory over Murang’a University of Technology.
With the final hooter gone, Abigail Chepkoech produced the decisive unconverted try. “This is our first title, and we must celebrate it fully. It was not easy for us to be here,” said Okello, who now shifts focus to the regional and African championships.
In the semifinals, Kabianga eliminated defending champions Masinde Muliro 10-5, while MUT beat Meru University of Science and Technology 19-12.
In the men’s rugby sevens final, hosts Kabarak University used home advantage to edge former champions Maseno University 7-5, sparking celebrations among the home fans.
Ninel Naserian of USIU-A attempts to dribble past Jaqueline Otieno of Strathmore University in the women’s 3×3 basketball final/HANDOUT
