The national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, bowed out of the FIVB Challenger Cup in Manila, Philippines, after losing in straight sets to Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
The Puerto Rican team triumphed 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 27-25).
The Kenyan girls started strong, matching the Puerto Ricans point for point and eventually the latter pulled ahead to win the first set.
The second set followed a similar pattern but Munala's charges put a fight in the third to lead 18-16.
However, the South Americans rallied to regain control of the match. Pamela Adhiambo's two powerful hits from the right tied the game at 25-25.
Despite the loss, Adhiambo shone on her international debut outside Africa, scoring 22 points after coming off the bench in the first set. Her performance made her the top scorer of the match.
Kenya Volleyball President Charles Nyaberi praised the team. He said: " It was a good effort and show by Malkia Strikers. The third set was great. The team improved with every set. Better luck next time.”
The opening-day victory means the winner will await the outcome of the Belgium-Sweden clash set for tomorrow. Kenya has lost to Puerto Rico in their last five meetings.
Next, the Malkia Strikers will face the Galaries Tower High Risers women’s club and a local men’s club in the Philippines for friendly matches to enhance their preparation.
After the Challenger Cup, they will head to the Team Kenya Olympic Camp at Miramas for further training and acclimatization ahead of the Paris Olympics.