Netherlands too strong for Malkia Strikers as FIVB World Championship gets underway

There were many positives to pick even as the national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers went down by straight-sets to hosts Netherlands at the ongoing FIVB Women’s World Championships. 

Playing under a carnivore atmosphere as the Dutch fans filled the Gelredome Arena clad in the orange t-shirt and wilding their flags, complimenting the organisers' choice for a live band, Netherlands were clearly the favourites and they dominated the match to win 25-11, 25-17, 25-11 and lead pool A. 

Kenya was playing the first international competitive match since going down to Cameroon at the African Championships last year and were no match for the Dutch. 

With eyes fixed on opposite Sharon Chepchumba and skipper Mercy Moim who were expected to provide the much-needed leadership on defense and attack respectively, it was Veronica Adhiambo's performance that awed many who watched the African Championship best attacker. 

The Kenya Pipeline attacker found gaps in Netherlands' formations and bagged points that left even the commentators surprised by her strength and wit on the floor. 

However, the Dutch defense was too good for the Kenyans to bag a set, even when they seemed capable of doing it at the start of the third set, and Luizomar de Moura's charges have a chance to regroup for the next match. 

Edith Wisah led the scoring for Malkia Strikers with eight pints, five from attacks and three blocks while Chumba, was severally stopped by the Netherlands lethal blocks, managed seven, six from attacks and one block. 

Adhiambo was third for Kenya on the scoring charts with five points from attack and one block. 

Emmaculate Nekesa and Belinda Barasa made their senior debuts in the setting and middle blocking positions, so did Veronica Kilabat as she came in as a substitute for Nekesa who had to fit the big shoes of the experienced Jane Wacu.

While Moura will be scratching his head for a solution to the team's reception that has been bedeviling their performance since time immemorial, he will take pride in the youngsters' taking to the stage and giving a good account of themselves on the big stage.

Poor reception made Nekesa and Kilabat's job ever so tough against Netherlands but they made the beat of the situation, helping Malkia get some crucial points by converting bad reception into good transition for a chance on attack.

Kenya plays Belgium on Sunday in their second match of the group stage as Moura's charges look to pick at least two wins to proceed to the second round.