The national women’s volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, displayed a resilient effort but ultimately lost 3-1 to former European champions and world number three, Poland, in their second Pool G match at the FIVB World Championships in Thailand.

After suffering a tough 3-0 defeat to Germany in their opener, the 27th-ranked Kenyan side showed great potential.

Despite losing the first set 25-17, the Strikers roared back with a commanding 25-15 victory in the second, briefly putting the Polish team on the back foot.

However, Poland, a formidable opponent, quickly regained control and closed out the match by winning the next two sets 25-15 and 25-14.

The loss effectively ends Kenya’s run at the championship, as only the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16.

With two defeats, the Malkia Strikers and Vietnam are both winless in their pool, while Germany and Poland have already secured their spots in the next round.

“Bagging a set from the third-ranked country is something, but I would have wanted a better result,” said Malkia Strikers Head Coach Geoffrey Omondi.

“I really wanted to win the fourth set and force a fifth, but unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way.”

The Malkia Strikers will now play for pride in their final Pool G fixture against Vietnam on Wednesday, August 27, at 1 p.m. EAT, as both teams look to avoid finishing at the bottom of the group.