National women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, are through to the CAVB African Nations Championship after thrashing Nigeria in a one-sided quarterfinal match played at the Palais Polyvalent des Sports in Yaounde on Tuesday.
The East Africans picked a straight-sets victory in 3-0 (25-14, 25-7, 25-11) in a match that coach Luizomar de Moura maintained his usual starting lineup of captain Mercy Moim, Sharon Chepchumba, Veronica Adhiambo, Edith Wisah, Trizah Atuka, Emmaculate Nekesa and libero Agripina Kundu.
The Kenyan had strong starts in all three sets, leaving the Nigerians no room for comebacks or an opportunity to press them hard.
At the end of the match, Adhiambo was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) with her strong serves and attacks having carried Malkia Strikers through to an easy win.
Assistant coach Paul Bitok in his post-match interview admitted to not wanting to meet hosts Cameroon in the all-important semifinals but in a quick rejoinder said the team is ready for any opponent.
“I am happy that the players have kept the winning streak going. Morale in camp is high and the players are fully focused on the two tasks ahead, qualifying for the Olympics and reclaiming the title.
“We know playing the hosts is tough given they have the fans going for them and that requires the opponent to be mentally strong. We are, however, ready for the task ahead,” Bitok offered.
On her part, Adhiambo says that her game in the quarters wasn’t the best and was surprised to be named MVP, adding that she is hoping for a better show in the semis as she looks to guide the team to the all-important final.