Spartans whip JKUAT in women's hockey

USIU Maureen Wanjala with the ball blocks Vikings Caroline Okoth when they played Premier Ladies at CityPark yesterday, 17/07/2016. USIU SCORED 1-0. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans drubbed their Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) counterparts 4-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s league match played yesterday at City Park Stadium.

Former international player Sandra Vodoti grabbed a brace while Grace Akumu and skipper Beatrice Mbugua scored a goal each to help their side bag maximum points.

The win saw Spartans move four places to fourth on six points behind league leaders Telkom Orange, debutants Amira Sailors in second and third placed Sliders.

Spartans coach Tom Olal told Feverpitch they are targeting a top three finish despite the slow start to the season.

“We want to finish in a respectable position and a top three finish is our aim. We did not start well and dropped six points after two losses, but I believe that our target is still within reach,” Olal said.

He said he was mainly concentrating on helping his new players gain confidence with every match they play. “Most of my players are new to this level and it might have contributed to our poor start.

“I want them to gain confidence so that we can all work together towards achieving our objectives.”

The match was balanced as both teams settled in the game well with Spartans seeking to make amends for their past unsuccessful outings.

Vodoti broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after being set up by Beatrice Wekesa.

That was the only goal of the first half as JKUAT tightened their defence while trying to press deeper into the Spartans territory without success.

Akumu added a second for Spartans in the 47th minute with Vodoti, who failed to make it to the national team that is currently in Ghana, sealing her brace eight minutes later. Mbugua converted a penalty corner in the 61st minute to give her side their second victory of the season.

In the men’s second division tier, Wazalendo Youth beat Thika Rovers 3-2 to remain top of the log. Multimedia University were on a scoring spree hitting five past JKUAT men.