Kwanthanze of Metropolitan won its second straight match to earn early qualification to the semi-final in Airtel Rising Stars National Secondary Schools Games at Kangaru High in Embu.
Kwanthanze maintained their winning streak in the tournament after they beat Gankanga of Northern 3-0 (25-8, 25-20, 25-16) in volleyball girls’ Pool “B” match to be assured of semi-final berth.
The 2012 bronze medalists- won their opening match after they beat AIC Kosirai of Nakuru 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-13).
Newcomers Kosirai recovered to beat Aberdare representatives Tetu 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-10) on second day of the competition and keep live their dreams of advancing.
Kosirai now need clear win against Gankanga today to advance to the knock-out stage.
Kosirai coach Richard Soi is however certain of taking his team to the semis as he said: “I’m confident of beating Gankanga and qualify for the semi-finals. Gankanga is not as tough as the two teams we played against in our first two matches. I’m certain of winning,” he said.
Former champions Lugulu of Nzoia breezed past Furaha of Garissa in straight sets of 25-7, 25-3 and 25-4 in its opening Pool “A” encounter.
Other matches played saw Ulanda of the Lake beat St John’s Kaloleni of Mombasa 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-10), Tetu overcame Gankanga 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-19).
In boys’ category, debutants Ziwani finally achieved its first victory after they hit Nguutani of Northern 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-17) to inch closer to semis.
Ziwani who lost 1-3 (25-21, 23-25, 17-25, 10-25) have high chances of qualifying for the semis as they meet modest opposition in Daadab in their last group match.
Boys’ matches played on the opening day of the Championships saw Hospital Hill of Nairobi beat Chianda of the Lake 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-20), Malava hit Ziwani 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-10) while Cheptil overwhelmed Shujaa Mekatilili 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 27-25).
Hospital Hill and Cheptil are the only regulars in volleyball boys’ as the rest of team are newcomers. The girls’ category is also featuring new teams like Kosirai, Wanda and St John’s Kaloleni.
The full list of semi-finalists will be clear at end of the preliminaries today.
By OSCAR PILIPILI, The Standard