Siblings Melda Oguda and Monica Oguda were on fire as former national netball champions Kaya Tiwi rallied from behind to beat Syumile 42-30 in their opening Group B match yesterday at Hill School, Eldoret.
Kaya Tiwi, who are seeking to reclaim the title they won in 2016 but lost last year to Obambo Mixed, bounced back from a slow start that saw them trail their Eastern Region compatriots 16-18 at half-time
Melda scored 22 goals while her sister Monica had 20. Kaya Tiwi coach Maryanne Obonyo lauded the girls for their fighting spirit.
“They showed mental strength in the game. It is always not easy to recover and win a match but they did it," said Obonyo.
"They are here for a purpose and I believe that if they keep fighting like they did, we will reclaim our title.
Syumile's captain Beryl Adhiambo and Peninah Omari scored 12 and 18 points respectively but their efforts were not good enough to give them an edge over the Coastal girls.
In Group A, Nyanza Region’s Nyakach Girls trounced Nairobi’s Olympic Mixed 60-15 to win their opening match.
In another encounter, Karuri from Central bust into celebrations after registering their first ever victory at the nationals. Despite playing at several national games, Karuri had never won a match.
They beat newcomers St Monica Bukokholo from Western 36-34 in a tightly contested encounter.
Meanwhile, East Africa rugby Sevens champions Muhuri Muchiri will face former national winners Maseno School and Laiser Hill as well as newcomers St Michael's Kipsombe in Group A.
Muhuri Muchiri will have to overcome the trio to keep their hopes of qualifying for the East Africa games alive. They need to defend their regional title.
Last year's finalists Chavakali highlight Group B which also has Muvuti, Kirima and Kaya Tiwi.
Nairobi champions Dagoretti are in Group C alongside St Mary's Yala, Igembe and Friends School Bwake whereas 2015 winners St Peter's Mumias, Kwale High, Nakuru Day and Githiga will battle in Group B.
[Elizabeth Mburugu]
