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
In Pool ‘C’, Rwanda Revenue Authority beat host team Kenya Commercial Bank 3-1 (28-26, 25-22, 27-25, 26-24) in an explosive match to advance to the quarter-finals.
Both teams went into the match aware that they needed to win to advance to the quarter-final.
A net hit by Seraphine handed KCB first points of the match, but Revenue levelled 1-1 following an error by the Kenyans.
Regine Izabayo, like in previous matches, was the key player in Revenue team and she was outstanding both at back court, defence and net attack.
The opening set was closely contested, but Revenue picked up at 6-5 to lead 8-6 at technical time out.
KCB recovered to open three points advantage at second technical time out. But the set was won by Revenues 28-26.
KCB fought hard with good attacks from Dorine Khayimba, Gaudencia Makokha and Eliza Karuga but the Rwandese continued to dominate the proceedings to win the second set 25-22. KCB won the third set 27-25 to revive hopes of winning the match but their recovery was short-lived after Revenue won the fourth period 26-24 to wrap up the match with 3-1 sets advantage and qualify for quarters.
