TUNIS, April 23 – Kenya’s representatives at the 2016 CAVB African Women Volleyball Club Championship Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline got off to flying start, winning all their opening matches on straight sets.
Seven time champions Pipeline were the first in the court against Ghana’s Police and they never disappointed, commanding the game from the first to the last set.
The Japheth Munala-led team was made to sweat in the first set but managed to win 25-20, making easy work of the remaining two sets to win 25-15 and 25-17.
“It was a very tough match and looking at all the teams that played, there’s no easy opponent. We were made to work hard and in the end got a reward. We are happy with the opening win and it now gives us some good focus heading into the next group matches,” Pipeline deputy captain Triza Atuka said.
She adds: “Our aim is to top our group so that we meet the second placed team in Group B which is the hardest group. We have watched them and it will not be easy,” she added.
Five time champions Prisons managed to shake off Cameroonian side Injs, winning the opening set 25-19 before putting up a similar performance for the second set to win 25-17.
The West Africans put up a spirited run in the aim of making a comeback in the final set but Prisons led by the experienced Edith Wisa managed to hold off before winning 25-23.
“It was a very tough match but we are quite pleased to start with a win. It was very important to have such a start because it gives us a direction for the other games. Emmaculate Chemtai made a very solid debut and noting it was her first international assignment, she outdid herself,” Prisons coach David Lung’aho said.
He added; “Edith Wisa also made a huge impact and to me she was the best player of the match. We now focus on the remaining matches and our target is to continue doing well and bring the cup home,” added the experienced tactician.
Prisons will be in action again on Saturday evening when they play Nigeria’s Jos while Pipeline will have a day of rest before their next match on Sunday against host nation side Sonatrach.