Arlington, USA – the Polish women’s volleyball team secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Germany in the Nations League. This marks the seventh consecutive win for the team under the guidance of coach Stefano Lavarini, who will next face the United States on Saturday to conclude the second tournament of the VNL.
The Polish team, known as the White-Reds, have maintained a perfect record, winning all seven matches and earning a complete set of points. Their impressive set ratio stands at 21-1. With five matches remaining in the regular phase, they are almost guaranteed a spot in the final tournament.
A Shaky Start but a Strong Finish
Despite a sluggish start, the Polish team ended the match with flair. They initially struggled with several errors, trailing 10-13, which prompted coach Lavarini to call a timeout. The team faced difficulties in receiving serves, and Natalia Mędrzyk was notably targeted by Germany’s Pia Kastner, leading to a six-point deficit. Lavarini responded quickly by making strategic substitutions: Monika Fedusio replaced Mędrzyk to improve reception, and Katarzyna Wenerska and Malwina Smarzek were also brought in. This change paid off as the team won four consecutive points, reducing the gap to two.
However, the game remained inconsistent for the Poles, and Germany managed to pull ahead again. In crucial moments, Magdalena Stysiak was pivotal, leveling the score at 21:21 and then helping Poland take the lead. Two service errors from Germany and a fortunate block by Martyna Łukasik on a pass ball clinched the first set for Poland.
Tough Battle in the Second Set
The second set was equally intense, with Poland struggling to contain Germany’s Lena Kindermann. Despite the challenges, Poland took a 20:17 lead after two successful attacks from Magdalena Jurczyk. Klaudia Alagierska-Szczepaniak and Stysiak then secured the crucial points to win the set.
Decisive Third Set
Determined to end the match swiftly, Poland started strong in the third set, only to lose their three-point lead quickly. Germany seized control, forcing Lavarini to intervene once more. The Polish team improved their play, capitalizing on several serving errors by Germany. They secured the match victory on their second match point, with Mędrzyk delivering the final attack.
Match Result: Poland – Germany 3:0 (25:23, 25:20, 25:21)