Kenya Prisons come near to winning their first match at the global championships

By Oscar Pilipili in Doha, Qatar

Kenya Prisons surrendered a 2-0 set lead to go down 2-3 (25-20, 25-20, 20-25, 24-26, 15-7) against Mirador of Dominican Republic in a five-setter thriller at the World Club Championship here in Doha.

Prisons displayed a purposeful game in the first two sets, but lack of consistency and mental strength in the last three saw the Kenyans painfully lose a match they deserved to win.

Mirador took the first set lead at 1-0 when a nervous Jane Wacu service landed on the net and gained their second point when Martinez Brayelin spike penetrated the blocks of Khisa and Moim.

But Khisa handed the Wardress their first point following a successful block while good spikes from Everline Makuto, Moim and Lydia Maiyo saw Prisons trail Mirador closely at 6-8 at the first technical time out.

Prisons trailed Mirador but the Kenyans, who won most rallies, took one point lead at second technical time out after successful attacks by Agala and Makuto who utilised well Wacu’s balls.

Mirador with the help of experienced attacker Jeseline Rodriguez with 25 points and support of Erasma Moreno pilled pressure on Kenya Prisons with a combination of skilful display at the net.

Prisons frontline responded with characteristic powerful spikes including a service ace by Maiyo before Agala’s backcourt attack handed Prisons 25-20 victory and 1-0 set lead.

Second set

The second set started with the same vigour as Kenya Prisons went in more inspired and great support of a small crowd of fans who tirelessly chanted patriotic songs in favour of the Kenyans.

Prisons continued their good show to take a comfortable 8-4 and 16-12 at the two technical time outs.

The score stood at 20-17 when Mirador called for a breather but it was evident, the Kenyans were winning the set, which they did with another 25-20 scoreline.

The third set proved the turning set of the match as Mirador came back a rejuvenated team leading Prisons 8-6 at first technical point before cruising to 25-20 victory, denying the Kenyans their straight set win.

The fourth set went to the Dominicans winning 26-24 after a late onslaught from David Lung’aho’s girls. Rodriguez net tricks always sent Prisons players back pedalling as the Dominicans charged forward in search of more points.

Prisons started off the fourth set and were up 8-6 but Mirador closed the gap at 8-8 before rushing to 18-14 and 24-20 lead.

The set was within Prisons reach after the team denied Mirador four game points following good services by Makuto to bring the set points 24-24.

Prisons lack of concentration allowed the Dominicans to gain two points and take the set 26-24 and push the match into tie-breaker, which they won 15-7.

Prisons have a big task ahead of them as they face European champions and favourites Vakibank Ttelekom Istanbul of Turkey in their last group match tomorrow.

Judging by history, Ttelekom is one of the most successful clubs in Europe.

The club was started in 1986 and a year after being established, qualified for the Women’s A1 League, the first club to achieve this.

In 1999 they joined forces with Cclub Ankara Vakifbank and since then have competed under one banner.

Since merging, the club has seen much success, winning the Turkish Championship twice in 2003/04 and 2004/05 as well as the European Challenge Cup in 2008.

Earlier This year, Vakibank Ttelekom Istanbul became the first Turkish team to win the Champions League.