FIVB Challenger Cup: Malkia Strikers go down fighting against Puerto Rico

National women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers are out of a Volleyball Nations League (VNL) slot contention after losing their quarters clash against Puerto Rico in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

Under the tutelage of Japheth Munala, the Paris Olympics-bound African champions were hoping to pick a win and advance to the semis as eight top women's teams battle for a place in the next VNL season.

Despite a spirited fight from the Pamela Adhiambo-powered Kenyans, Puerto Rico managed a straight-sets victory in 25-20, 25-19 and 27-25, the last set giving Kenyans hope for a comeback but costly mistakes denying the side the set win. 

On her international debut outside Africa Adhiambo came off the bench to top score for Malkia Strikers with 22 points with Belinda Barasa adding 9 to Kenya's tally. 

Malkia Strikers' Achilles heel was Grace Lopez, the 18-year-old opposite spiker, showing maturity beyond her years for the Puerto Ricans to live another day in the four-day qualifier for VNL. 

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She led the charge with 19 points built on 18 attacks and an ace to advance to the knockout semifinal on Saturday against the winner between Sweden and Belgium scheduled on Thursday evening. 

“It’s really good. We had a good start and I hope on Saturday we win,” Lopez said. “Before the game, we talked that we have to start strong, put almost every serve in and I think that’s the thing that help us win.”

The young Puerto Rican, who has been enjoying her stay in Manila so far, believes that the trust of her teammates and coaches fuels her to play better for her country and step up even at a young age.

“It feels good. I’ve been working with that trust my whole life, with my parents, the coaches and you know, the discipline and I think that’s what helps me play good,” Lopez said. 

Puerto Rico blew a 24-21 match point advantage in the third set after committing crucial errors that allowed Kenya to save three match points and tie the game at 24-all. 

Stephanie Rivera came to the rescue to bring back the Puerto Ricans on top but Pamella tied the frame with a down-the-line kill. 

Rivera drilled back-to-back hits to complete the straight-set win to finish with nine points. Diana Reyes chipped in 10 points including two aces, as setter Wilmarie Rivera tossed 25 excellent sets on top of six points off three aces, two attacks, and a block.

 Additional reporting by inquirer.net