In the opening match of the round-robin competition, the Jack Ochieng-coached side gave a face-saving performance to pick a 45-30 victory against the team largely composed of high school players.
Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women's Super Cup champions Nairobi Water Queens were a cut above their rivals Rangers Women as this year's edition of the pre-season tournament got underway.
In the opening match of the round-robin competition, the Jack Ochieng-coached side gave a face-saving performance to pick a 45-30 victory against the team largely composed of high school players.
The Kimilili-based Rangers have lost two of their key players Martha Lavendah and Naomy Muyoka to Ulinzi Sharks and National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Ladies respectively but they still managed to give the holders a run for their money in the first half to trail 19-15 at the break.
Brenda Ariviza and Gladys Chilo scored nine and seven respectively in the victory as Lydia Juma and Dianah Barasa gave seven and six for Rangers in the defeat.
Coach Ochieng is looking to guide his charges to hey another silverware in a show of dominance as the side has won all the title since the tournament was introduced.
In another women's league match, Ulinzi Sharks faced off with NCPB Ladies, giving up a good start to trail 16-14 into the break.
The Emmanuel Kieti-coached military side never recovered as NCPB went on to win 29-26 . Sarah Wasike scored seven as did new signing from Rangers, Martha Lavendah but it was not enough to hand the soldiers victory.
Sarah Mabonga and Joan Akinyi scored six each for NCPB as Naomi Muyoka, joining the millers for the new season from Kimilili-based Rangers, added five to the final tally.
Meanwhile, men's championships picked a 31-24 win over Black Mamba to qualify for the semis with a match to spare as Ulinzi HC did the same after a 37-19 victory over Kenyatta University.
The top two teams in each pool for the men's competition qualify for the semis slated for next weekend.