National women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers fell to European champions Italy losing by straight sets in their fourth match at the FIVB Women’s World Championships.
Malkia had a much improved performance against a tough opponent, but were beaten in straight sets of 25-15, 25-23 and 25-17.
Sharon Chepchumba put up a sterling performance and picked up 17 points for Malkia Strikers, who pushed Italy to the edge especially in the second set.
Sylvia Nwakalor was Italy’s star on the court racking up 12 points, 10 from attack and two on blocks with teammate Pietrini Elena also tallying 11 for Italy.
Malkia now sit fourth in the standings with three points from one victory and will seal a historic place in the second round if they can manage a positive result against winless Puerto Rico in their last Group A match.
Their only victory from the tournament was against African rivals Cameroon, who they beat by straight sets.