NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 25 – National women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers thrashed African rivals Cameroon 3-1 in their final match of the FIVB Women’s World Cup in Osaka to earn some late pride and bragging rights.
Malkia had lost 10 straight games without picking a single set, but were determined to end their campaign on a high with victory over the Central Africans whom they also beat for the African Games title in Rabat, Morocco, last month.
Malkai were determined to bounce back after their losses and started the match well, winning the opening set 25-15. However, Cameroon came back more determined in the second set though Malkia managed to squeeze in a 26-24 win.
The Cameroonians seemed to have picked up motivation from their fighting spirit in the second set and denied Malkia a straight sets victory, taking the third set 25-14.
However, Paul Bitok’s girls improved on their reception and first line blocking to win the second set 25-21 and send a warning to their biggest rivals ahead of next year’s African Olympics qualifiers.
Skipper Mercy Moim led from the front literally, picking up 19 points in the victory while youngster Sharon Chepchumba who has been impressive managed 18.
Middle blocker Triza Atuka picked up 12 points in the match.
