Poland extended their winning run to six matches after a 25-22, 25-20, 30-28 victory over Turkey in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League here on Thursday.
The team, coached by Stefano Lavarini, now sits atop the preliminary phase standings. China also maintains a flawless record with five victories and one match in hand.
Magdalena Stysiak scored 17 points for Poland, while Melissa Vargas contributed six more for Turkey.
The favorites made a robust start in Thursday’s match. Hande Baladin committed two consecutive attack errors, allowing Poland to take a 24-21 lead. Turkey fended off one set point, but moments later, Martyna Lukasik clinched the set 25-22.
In the second set, Poland sustained their momentum, building an advantage. Turkey closed the gap to a single point (20-19), but Poland quickly retaliated with three consecutive points. Magdalena Jurczyk delivered an effective spike from the middle, and Ebrar Karakurt’s hit on the antenna dashed Turkey’s hopes.
Daniele Santarelli’s team put up a valiant effort in the third set, scoring 28 points. However, it wasn’t enough. Lavarini’s squad earned three match points, with Magdalena Jurczyk securing a crucial point for 30-28 to wrap up the match in straight sets.
“We are delighted to progress after beating a really formidable opponent. We knew what to expect from Turkey; our side executed perfect tactics. We didn’t allow the opposition to play their preferred style of volleyball,” commented Poland’s middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk after the game.
On Friday, Poland faces the Netherlands, Turkey will play Canada, and China takes on Bulgaria.