Kenya’s National Womens Volleyball team suffered another straight defeat after a humiliating thrashing straight set of 25-15, 25-20 and 25-12 to hosts Japan in the ongoing FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup at the 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.