The opening day of the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games produced its first major upset after defending girls’ volleyball champions Kwanthanze Secondary School suffered a shock defeat to Western Region champions St. Martha’s Mwitoti.Mwitoti recovered from losing the opening set to claim an impressive 3-1 victory, throwing Pool A wide open and handing Kwanthanze an early setback in their bid to retain both the national and East African titles.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsKwanthanze looked on course for a winning start after edging the first set 25-22, but Mwitoti responded superbly. The Western champions dominated the next three sets 25-20, 25-14 and 25-22 to register one of the biggest victories of the opening day.The result could have significant implications in a pool that also features Central Region champions Kahuro Girls and North Eastern representatives Wajir Girls.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872915##Kahuro made the most of the opportunity by sweeping aside Wajir Girls in straight sets. The Central Region champions recorded a comfortable 25-19, 25-15, 25-21 victory to move level with Mwitoti at the top of the standings after the opening round of matches.In Pool B, Rift Valley champions Kesogon Secondary School made an emphatic statement as they began their quest to reclaim the national title.KSSSA: St. Mary's Yala, Highway brave Thika cold to begin national title chase with victoriesThe 2023 champions defeated Nyanza representatives Aluor Girls 3-0, although the second set proved to be a stern test before Kesogon eventually prevailed 25-20, 27-25 and 25-16.Nairobi champions Soweto Academy also enjoyed a dominant opening, overwhelming Coast Region representatives Mwanambeyu Girls in straight sets. Soweto barely allowed their opponents into the contest, winning 25-8, 25-4 and 25-15.The boys’ volleyball championship also got underway with convincing performances from several title contenders.Kabras Sugar land first Dala Sevens title in nine years after handing Menengai rugby lessonsRift Valley champions ACK Chepsaita Senior School, who replaced reigning champions Cheptil Secondary after ending their regional dominance, lived up to expectations with a commanding 3-0 victory over Central Region champions Kiambaa Boys. Chepsaita cruised through the contest 25-11, 25-10 and 25-19 to underline their championship credentials.Nyanza champions Masara Secondary School were equally impressive, defeating North Eastern representatives Furaha Mixed Secondary School 25-14, 25-13 and 25-22.Kabras youngster Rayvon Ambale recounts six-month injury battle after dream returnWestern Region champions Chesamisi Boys also opened with a straight-sets victory, overcoming former national champions Ruthimitu Mixed School 25-16, 25-22 and 25-17 to strengthen their hopes of reaching the semifinals.The day’s closest contest came in Pool B, where Eastern Region champions Matiliku Secondary School edged Coast champions Moi Forces Academy in a thrilling five-set battle.After sharing the opening four sets, Matiliku held their nerve in a tense deciding set to secure a 3-2 victory. The Eastern champions won 25-21 before Moi Forces responded 25-22. Matiliku regained the lead with a 25-19 third-set success, only for Moi Forces to force a decider by winning the fourth set 25-21. Matiliku eventually sealed victory 18-16 in a dramatic fifth set.Meanwhile, the national netball competition also began with several one-sided encounters.Rift Valley champions Andersen Secondary School delivered the biggest win of the day, thrashing Moi Girls Kibwezi 91-17 in a dominant display.Western Region champions Bukokholo Girls defeated Nyanza’s Asumbi Girls 61-44, while Central Region champions Kinale produced the most emphatic scoreline by dismantling North Eastern representatives DM Amin 127-1.Kenya's decorated judoka misses out on Commonweath Games medalCoast champions Kaya Tiwi also made an impressive start, brushing aside Nairobi representatives Raila Education Centre 77-9.With the opening matches completed, attention now shifts to Monday’s second round of preliminary fixtures, where Kwanthanze will be under pressure to revive their title defence after a surprise defeat that has immediately altered the complexion of the girls’ volleyball tournament. Kesogon, Chepsaita, Chesamisi and Kahuro, meanwhile, will look to build on their winning starts as the race for the semifinal places gathers momentum.
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