Kenya out of Japan 2018 after Dominican rout

Kenya’s run at the FIVB Women’s World Championship ended in crushing fashion as their 3-0 (25-5, 25-7, 25-15) rout at the hands of Dominican Republic effectively knocked them out of contention.

Thursday’s loss completed a fourth successive straight set sweeps following similar lopsided defeats to Serbia, Puerto Rico and Brazil to cap another forgetful outing for the Malkia Strikers.

Malkia Strikers’ exit is however without a silver lining after the Kenyans managed their first ever win at the global showpiece after over two decades of trying following their opening 3-0 win over Kazakhstan.

With the victory, Dominican Republic joined other Pool D sides including former world champions Brazil, the 2006 bronze medalists Serbia and Puerto Rico in sailing through to the second round of the competition.

“They (Dominican Republic) destroyed our reception and were fast on counterattack. I wish them success in the next round and hope they go all the way,” Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala said in conceding defeat.

Munala’s words were echoed by his captain Mercy Moim who added that despite their second round dream nipped on the bud, the team has largely improved if their opening day win against Kazakhistan is something to go by.

“They played a super game. We played our best but they destroyed our reception. They are very tall and play well. We live to fight another day,” she said.

Kenya will now shift focus to the qualification of the next year’s World Cup set for September in Japan as well as Olympic games set for 2020 which will also be hosted by the Far East country.

Elsewhere, Cameroon, the other Africa’s representative in the global fiesta crushed out of the championship after losing their fourth consecutive preliminary match against Argentina.

The last year’s African champions went down against the South Americans with straight sets of 25-22, 25-20 and 25-12 to finish bottom of Pool A with only three points.

Defending champions, United States Of America (USA) edged Korea with 3-1 sets to finish second in Pool C on 11 points jointly leaders Russia who boast higher sets ratio difference.

The two alongside Thailand and Azerbaijan sailed through to the second round of the three-week championship.

The championship which has attracted 24 ,2 from each continent will serve out in October 20.