Defeats to Cuba and the Dominican Republic have made it hard for Kenya to impose themselves at the ongoing 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup in Tokyo Japan.
Kenya lost to Cuba 3-1 (27–25, 25–23, 12–25, 25–22) in a game that the African Queens just failed to minimize on their errors and capitalize on those of their opponents.
Mercy Moim was Kenya’s best player with 26 points, one better that Gracia Gonzalez Regla Rainierys of Cuba.
Skipper Brackcides Agala and Everlyne Makuto were the other Kenyan players in double figures with 15 and 11 points respectively.
Ruth Jepngetich attacks against the Dominic Republic on Sunday as libero (9) Elizabeth Wanyama and Esther Wangeci (R) look on. Photo Credits: FIVB
Coach David Lung’aho stuck to his starting six of setter Jane Wanja, Makuto and mercy Moim in power, Wangeci played opposite to the setter while Agala and Ruth Jepngetich manned the middle.
Biama Monica played apart as libero, Elizabeth Wanyama also helped out the middle blockers on reception and court cover.
The side was expected to revive themselves against the Dominican Republic on Sunday but instead fell in straight sets (28-26, 26-24, 25-17). Again Moim led with 15 points, Agala 11 and Makuto 10.
A total of 49 block attempts and only seven kills, Jepngetich attempted the most, 16 and had only one kill, Wangeci had two kills from six attempts.
Esther Wangeci prepares to serve against the Dominican Republic on Sunday, Kenya lost the tie in straight sets. Photo Credits: FIVB
Kenya play Russia this Monday, the Europeans have already defeated the Dominic Republic 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) and Japan 3-2 (12-25, 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 15-13)
Algeria, the other representatives from Africa have also lost to Peru 3-0 (25–16, 25–13, 25–16) and China in similar fashion (25–5, 25–11, 25–8). Algeria will also play South Korea on Monday in their second third game of the world cup.
