Malkia Strikers go down fighting to powerhouse Italy

They were up against former world champions, the European and Volleyball Nations League title holders, but Malkia Strikers did not fret. 

The Luizomar de Moura-coached side brought their famed energy on the floor and, despite a straight-sets loss, they left those watching impressed, the opponent notwithstanding. 

Italian head coach Davide Mazzanti who has already guided the side to a second round berth had decided to field the reserve team against the Kenyans, resting his star players. 

While, Malkia Strikers could have been intimidated by the status of the Italians, they stayed true to the saying that a person who has nothing to lose has no fear and fought harder than many have seen the side do in previous matches for the 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-17) loss. 

Italy who are looking to return to the top of the podium for the first time in 20 years and give Italy their second world title, in addition to a double this year after the men's side won this year's championship, often found themselves tied with Malkia, an unprecedented predicament on paper. 

Coach Moura rested skipper Mercy Moim, Edith Wisah and Lorine Chebet who had started or been an integral part of the playing squad in the previous three matches opting to play Noel Murambi, who started against Netherlands, Gladys Ekaru and Belinda Barasa who took the opportunity to reward the bench for the vote of confidence with impressive performances. 

Veronica Adhiambo who has been a regular substitute in the previous matches stayed on the floor for the entirety of the match as did Sharon Chepchumba, setter Emmaculate Nekesa and libero Agripina Kundu. 

The match lasted one hour 17 minutes and at no point did Malkia Strikers show any signs of relenting. The second set was the most impressive and for a moment, Kenyans and Malkia Strikers' fans watching the match waited with batted breath for the African silver medalist to beat the Italians to the 25-point mark, tied as 23 which was never to be. 

Chumba was, again, the team's and match's top scorer at 17 points while Adhiambo scored eight, one more than Ekaru. 

With the exception of Murambi, it was clear that the Kenyan technical bench had elected to play the young players, a move one would assume is part of their strategy as they head to Saturday's match against Puerto Rico. 

Victory against the Caribbean Islanders would not only guarantee Malkia their ticket to the next round but also hand them their third win ever in this championship after seven appearances.