By Oscar Pilipili
Defending champions Kenya Prisons, Forces Armee et Police (FAP) of Cameroon, Algeria’s Chlef and Kenya Pipeline were among the teams that qualified for quarter-finals in CAVB African Women’s Clubs Championships in Nairobi.
In Pool ‘A’, Kenya Pipeline beat Nkumba University of Uganda 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-15) to finish atop the group at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, gymnasium.
Esther Wangeci, Ruth Jepng’etich, Emily Chemutai and Roseline Odhiambo utilised their height in blocks and net attack to gain quick points and hand Pipeline 8-3 lead at first technical time out and 16-8 at second technical time out.
Pipeline coach Japheth Munala made several changes to his line-up in efforts aimed at giving every player chance to play in the match. It was a walk in the park for Pipeline and they effortlessly won the match 25-13.
The second set was no different as Pipeline attackers bombarded Nkumba’s defence with powerful and tactical spikes to claim the set 25-12.
Nkumba team displayed some flashes of brilliant volleyball with spirited attacks from Faridah Namajja, Mariam Nakamanya and Grace Esther, but fell short of seriously testing Pipeline.
scared pipeline
Nkumba scared Pipeline in the third set after they assumed a 6-3 lead, but the host team proved they were just delaying victory as they rallied to take 8-7 advantage at the first technical time out and widened the gap to six points at 16-10.
Pipeline hard hitters showed little mercy over inexperienced University students as they went all out for points and their efforts paid off as they won the set 25-12.
In Pool ‘B’ FAP overcame Canon of Congo 3-1 (25-27, 26-24, 25-16, 25-19) in a four set thriller to qualify for the quarter-finals during a match at African Nazarene University.
beat hosts
