Kenyans lose a third time in Japan, face Argentina

Deputy President William Ruto meets National Volleyball team players Malkia Strikers, at his Karen residence

Malkia Strikers continued their poor run in the ongoing FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup after falling by straight sets of 25-15, 25-20 and 25-12 to hosts Japan at a fully-packed Yoyogi National Stadium yesterday afternoon.

This was the third defeat in a row for the nine-time African champions after losing 3-1 and 3-0 to Cuba and Dominican Republic respectively, in their opening round one matches.
Despite the loss, Prisons left attacker Mercy Moim emerged the top scorer for the second time in competition after hitting 13 points, one more than her Japanese counterpart Sauri Kimura.

Japan outscored Kenya on offence with 39 spikes and 10 aces, and on defence with six blocks, 34 digs and 31 receptions. However, the hosts responded swiftly using their quick, well-placed spikes in the first set to take an early 8-2 lead at the first technical time-out. Pipeline’s Trizah Atuka spiked to end Japan’s run as Malkia narrowed the lead to 10-5.

Excellent defence

However, the hosts responded swiftly using their quick, well-placed spikes and excellent defence to claim the first set 25-15. Kenya provided some resistance in the second set that saw them trail the hosts 24-20, but Japan funnelled their final attack in the centre of the Kenyan court for Saori Sakoda’s spike to hand them the set.

Japan employed well-disciplined defence in the third set, limiting the Kenyans to work their way from the flanks. Japan commanded the set 25-12 thanks to Kimura’s brilliant spikes.
Malkia will be seeking their first victory in this year’s showpiece today when they face Argentina, who lost 3-0 (25-10, 25-10, 25-16).

In other matches, the Dominican Republic stunned four-time winners Cuba 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23) as Serbia powered past African runners-up Algeria 3-0 (25-7, 25-11 and 25-3) in less than an hour. World runners-up China beat Korea 3-1 (25-23,25-15, 25-20, 25-23), while defending champions the United States eased 3-0 past Peru.