VNL 2025
Poland climbs to second in the standings
Poland ended the week`s Women`s Volleyball Nations League action by defeating hosts Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday. A significant contribution from middle blocker Aleksandra Gryka powered them to a four-set victory, elevating Poland to second place in the current VNL standings with a 7-1 win-loss record and 21 points. In contrast, the reigning world champions, Serbia, are still searching for their first win, sitting at the bottom of the table in 18th place with an 0-8 record and 5 points.
Gryka was exceptional, recording a remarkable nine kill blocks in Poland’s 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-23) triumph over Serbia. Making her first appearance of the week, she utilized her fresh energy to become a key factor in the team`s success. Gryka also attacked with high efficiency (67% success rate), finishing as the match`s top scorer with a total of 20 points, including one ace. Opposite Magdalena Stysiak added 16 points, all from attacks. Outside hitters Martyna Lukasik and Paulina Damaske contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively. Captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk, despite coming in as a substitute, had the honour of scoring the match-winning point in the fourth set with a quick attack, capping off her team`s comeback from a five-point deficit.
Reflecting on the win, Gryka told VBTV, “It took a lot of cooperation and communication and, for sure, faith that we can do it. We are facing a lot of hard moments in this tournament, but we come out with success. So I’m real proud of my team.” Regarding her own performance, she added, “I guess today I was rested and very energetic for this game, because of the gym and all the people that came. And playing against Serbia is always a great challenge, so I just enjoyed playing.”
For Serbia, opposite Vanja Bukilic led the scoring with 18 points, including two kill blocks and an ace. Middle blocker and captain Maja Aleksic also showed strong blocking, registering an impressive six kill blocks en route to 17 points. The 20-year-old outside hitter Vanja Ivanovic chipped in with 10 points for the home side.
Jasper Thornfield