Korea put up a battle, but take only a set from Poland

In a women`s Volleyball Nations League match held in Chiba, Japan on Wednesday, Poland successfully contained a determined South Korean team. The bronze medalists from the past two VNL seasons and hosts of this year`s upcoming Finals secured a 3-1 victory over their Asian rivals. This win improves Poland`s record to 8 wins and 1 loss with 24 points, positioning them at the top of the VNL standings. Conversely, Korea remains near the bottom, in 17th place with a 1-8 record and 4 points, facing a significant risk of relegation.

South Korea started the match impressively, outplaying their strong opponents in the initial set. However, the Polish squad quickly found their rhythm and comfortably won the subsequent two sets. The fourth set proved highly competitive, extending into overtime. Both teams had chances to clinch the set, but a crucial block by 22-year-old outside hitter Julita Piasecka ultimately sealed the game for Poland, resulting in a 3-1 scoreline (18-25, 25-19, 25-14, 28-26).

Poland`s middle blocker Aleksandra Gryka delivered the strongest blocking performance of the match with five stuffs. Julita Piasecka contributed 15 points, including two aces. Opposite Malwina Smarzek added 20 points, while outside hitter Martyna Lukasik shared the title of top scorer with Korea`s 22-year-old opposite Seonwoo Lee, both tallying 21 points. For the Korean side, middle blocker Dahyeon Lee and outside hitter and captain Sohwi Kang also reached double-digit scores with 13 points each.

“It’s never easy to restart after two weeks and, of course, the time zone isn’t helping, but these are just excuses,” Smarzek stated after the match. “Still, I am really proud of our team. Maybe one can say that our level of volleyball wasn’t great, but also Korea played good volleyball and defended very well. We normally have problems with this kind of teams, because we lose patience. So good job for us, and also congrats to Korea!”

Following this match on the first competition day in Chiba, host nation Japan was scheduled to play against France. Wednesday`s VNL activities also included matches in Apeldoorn and Arlington.