The Uganda Christian University (UCU) volleyball teams, the Lady Doves and the Doves, kicked off their campaigns in style at this year’s East African University Games held at Maseno University, Kenya. Both teams secured 3-0 wins after their opponents, Kyambogo University, failed to show up for the matches.

“We are fully prepared and eager to take on the best in the region. Our teams have
been working hard to ensure we bring our A-game to East Africa,” said Sam
Lukaire, Head of UCU Sports.

UCU took the first set 25-19, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Their offensive power and defensive discipline were on full display in the second set, which they won convincingly at 25-14.

The match, held at Old Kampala Arena, saw UCU display grit and determination, starting with a nail-biting first set that ended 28-26 in favor of the Doves. 

Carol Ikot, a player for the Lady Doves, attributed their loss to limited training time and strategic challenges, as many team members are based in Kampala for internships, making it difficult to practice together. “We didn’t train as a team for that game because traveling is expensive, and we struggled to strategize against KCCA,” Ikot explained.

Nemostars dominated the first two sets (25:20 and 25:23, respectively). The Lady Doves experienced a range of emotions as they were determined and frustrated, but they remained focused on winning.