• Unbeaten Namwela, from Busia County, beat Malava 24-26, 25-16, 25-20, 23-25 and 15-09.
• A hat-trick from Elizabeth Mideva handed Arch Bishop Njenga a slot in the final after beating Ibubi of Vihiga County 3-0.
Image: EMMANUEL SABUNI
Butula became the first team to qualify for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national championships after reaching the Western region volleyball final.
The Cate Malaba-coached side edged out Katakwa in straight sets (25-23, 25-14, 25-15) in a Busia County derby to maintain their unbeaten run at the Bungoma High School.
Malaba was impressed with her improved side, who crashed out in group stages last year.
"After losing last year, we reorganised ourselves and are here as competitors. We need that trophy," said Malaba.
Butula will face East Africa and national champions Namwela Boys, who beat multiple national and East Africa champions Malava Boys from Kakamega County in a five-set thriller.
Namwela head coach Isaac Muresha said they played under pressure, making it hard to break their blocks.
"This was the toughest match we have played — dropping two sets. Our opponents had top national league players tip them but we managed to contain them," said Muresha.
Unbeaten Namwela, from Busia County, beat Malava 24-26, 25-16, 25-20, 23-25 and 15-09.
“It was a game in honour not just for the players and school but the fans, who turned up to cheer and enjoy the match. It was entertaining,” said Muresha.
The girls' semifinals were not played due to a congested fixture list after three matches were abandoned on Thursday due to heavy rain.
Meanwhile, a hat-trick from Elizabeth Mideva handed Arch Bishop Njenga a slot in the final after beating Ibubi of Vihiga County 3-0.
Mideva, who is in the national under-17 team, broke the deadlock in the first minute, doubled the lead after 53 minutes and sealed the win with 11 minutes to go.
Bishop Njenga head coach Fred Serenge said: “It has been a long journey but we expect to win the title after a long time. We have many injuries but that will not slow our efforts after losing out in the semifinals last year.”
Njenga will meet the winner between Bungoma’s Brenda Girls and champions Butere.
The match at the Sudi stadium had not been completed at the time of press.
A boys' football match featuring Musingu and Kibabii was abandoned in the 20th minute due to crowd trouble after centre referee sent off a Musingu player. The match will be played on Saturday.
In netball, Bumala will face Mwitoti in the final. Bumala beat Odiero 73-13 while Mwitoti beat Mukuyu 36-29.
Selected results
Netball
Bumala 73-13 Odiero
Mwitoti 36-29 Mukuyu
Football
Boys'
Musingu vs Kibabii (Postponed)
Bukembe vs Munyuki (no results before press)
Girls'
Butere vs Brenda (No results before press)
Arch Bishop Njenga 3-0 Ibubi
Volleyball
Boys’
Namwela 3-2 Malava (24-26, 25-16, 25-20, 23-25 and 15-09)
Butula 3-0 Katakwa (25-23, 25-14 and 25-15)