Kenya is drawn in a tough pool at the Olympic Games, where they will take on Brazil, two-time Olympic bronze medallists Poland, and two-time Games champions Japan.
Kenya’s Malkia Strikers’ preparation journey to the Olympic Games suffered a setback on Thursday as they lost to Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals of the Challenger Cup played in the Philippines at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Eighteen-year-old outside hitter Grace Villanueva contributed 19 points with 18 attacks and one ace, lifting Puerto Rico to the semifinal with her stellar performance, ousting Kenya 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 27-25).
The Kenyan side was hoping for a better outing against the Puerto Ricans, who have triumphed against Kenya in their last five encounters.
Skippered by Kenya Pipeline’s Triza Atuka, Kenya will now shift their attention to the Paris Olympics. They will play more friendly matches in the Philippines before heading to Miramas, Southern France, for a final training camp.
Kenya is drawn in a tough pool at the Olympic Games, where they will take on Brazil, two-time Olympic bronze medallists Poland, and two-time Games champions Japan.