Poland`s 16 kill blocks weren`t enough to overcome a strong Japanese performance.
Japan’s Haruyo Shimamura in action against Poland
Japan extended their winning streak in the women`s Volleyball Nations League to four matches with a four-set triumph over Poland in Chiba on Saturday. This victory improved their record to 9-2, accumulating 27 points and securing third place in the current VNL standings. Poland, who will host the Finals in Lodz in a couple of weeks, are currently in fourth place with an 8-3 record and 24 points.
Outside hitter and captain Mayu Ishikawa led Japan to a 3-1 victory (25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22), thrilling the home crowd and concluding the day`s matches in Chiba. Ishikawa was the top scorer for Japan with a match-high 22 points, including two aces. Opposite Yoshino Sato also contributed two aces and finished with 17 points. Middle blocker Haruyo Shimamura had a 62% attack success rate and secured the winning point with a kill block, ending the match with 14 points.
After the match, Ishikawa commented, “It was a tough game, but I`m really happy we won. Our defense was definitely effective during the match. Whenever they scored a point, we remained calm and focused on the next play, which helped us achieve a good result.”
For Poland, middle blocker and captain Agnieszka Korneluk was a key player, contributing seven of the team`s 16 kill blocks and scoring a total of 18 points. Opposite Malwina Smarzek was the top scorer for her team with 19 points, including four blocks, while outside hitter Martyna Lukasik added 15 points.
Meanwhile, in Apeldoorn, the day`s matches included Czechia facing the host Netherlands, followed by a significant game between Italy and Turkiye.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick