Defending Champions Police VI Too Strong In Serowe
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday July 9, 2018 12:49
It was not an easy route through Mahalapye’s Mag Stimela. Police had to sweat blood to their 3-1 win. When the encounter took off the Mahalapye giants took control and attacked with a high potency that almost puzzled the defending champions.
Police did well to recover, but Mag Stimela was already on song and snatched the set 31-29. Alec Engleton, Moemedi Siphambe and Sekao Jack changed the style for the cops in the second set and they comfortably sailed 25-18.
They made it 2-1 with the similar 25-18 scoreline in the third set. Mag Stimela was not going to serve it on the silver platter and they gave the cops a run for their money with a commanding display.
Kenalemodisa Sempolae and Karabo Kgaolo put up a great show.
They drove Mag Stimela into a healthy six points lead at 17-11, but the cops could not stomach Mag Stimela crossing the 20th mark when they were still trailing by the six points at 14.
Mag Stimela went to a breakpoint, but Police’s Siphambe had other ideas with his nippy serves and an inspired comeback. When he lost a serve he had ensured the games go to a tiebreaker where they clinched it 31-30.
Police coach, Thatayaone Ngwanaotsile said as the defending champions they always expect tough encounters as all their opponents are baying for their blood. He said his team showed character as they came from behind in all the sets they have won.
“We fought well. Mag Stimela defended well and also matched us in attack. It was a 50-50 encounter but at the end, we had experienced players and that is where we beat them,” he said.
Ngwanaotsile said they are not thinking about defending the league. He said they are taking each game as it comes and ensured they finish the first round in a commendable position.
“Of course we play to win, but we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure. All our opponents are tough and we will play each game as it comes and see where we finish at the end.”
Their second game against Diphatsa was a walk in the park. They won 3-0 with 25-22 in the first set, 25-16 in the second and wrapped up with 25-20.
Diphatsa had earlier beaten a sluggish Desert Kings 3-0. Mag Stimela also demolished Desert Kings 3-0 with 25-12, 25-20 and 25-18.In the only women’s game played in Serowe, Mag Stimela women thumped Police VI 3-1.