WL: Bronze medal for USA

USA was making a pressure on Poland side from the start of the bronze-medal match. They opened set with 4-1 and 8-5 and “point by point” USA went on +6 (13-7). They played calmly and very responsibly while Poles were without energy. Americans were too strong on the net but first of all mentally and they had 21-13. It was amazing, everybody thought that USA will easily close this set but Poland woken up. Americans made few errors in row and the result was 22-20. Sander stopped serie of Poles for 23-20 but Mika scored another point for his team. Christenson made new mistake for 23-22. Buszek returned point to USA for 24-22 and thanks to the high block of Lee over Konarski , USA finished the first set. Antiga asked for video check but the video shows thar there was no touch on the net by the blockers, so the referees confirmed the set to team USA, 25-22.

At the start of the second set USA led 9-7 thanks to the good serve of Russell but “white and red” played much better than set before. They equalized 9-9 and we must say both USA and Poland had a good receive and defense. With three points in row USA escaped to opponent on 14-10, Russell finished the rally after two miraculous saves. Americans played like from the beginning of the match and they had 20-18. The Polish block did not stop Sander to scored 23-19 and after time out of Antiga , he made ace for set point (24-19). Mika has confused USA with his serves and with three aces Poland came on 24-23. Last attack of Poland touch Anderson in the block and after video check Polish coach was right. They repeated that point but this time Mika made service mistake for 25-23. USA is leading 2-0 in sets.

Konarski who replaced Kurek was real refreshment for the Polish team. Thanks to his strong attacks and block on the second technical time out in the third set Poland had 16-14. Poland had 22-17 after two amazing block of Nowakowski and Buszek. Strong attack of Anderson and block of Holt brought new two points for USA (22-19). Poland once again made a great block on Anderson’s attack for 23-19 but in the final of the set USA made two blocks (Holt and Christenson) for 23-23. After Sander’s serve the referees pointed an ace, but Antiga calls a video-check which confirmed the ace. 24-23. Bronze medal went to USA after kill of Russell 25-23.

Taylor Sander was the top scorer of Bronze Medal match with 14 points.

FINALS 1ST GROUP / 3RD PLACE MATCH /

To see standings, more reports, stats and videos from this competition click on World League 2015.

To back in front page of news click on News.

Also, you can leave your comment on WoVForum.

For more articles click on Latest news.