Poland Triumphs Over Thailand with a 3-0 Victory
Poland secured a dominant 3-0 win against Thailand in their penultimate match of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round. The Polish team, led by coach Stefano Lavarini, achieved their tenth victory in the VNL 2024. Both teams are set to compete in the final tournament in Bangkok.
Key players for Poland were Martyna Czyrniańska with 18 points and Malwina Smarzek with 12 points. For Thailand, Chatchu-On Moksri scored 12 points and Pimpichaya Kokram added 11 points.
Poland’s journey in this year’s VNL began in Antalya, Turkey, where they defeated Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Japan, all with 3-0 scores. In Arlington, they won against Serbia (3-1), South Korea (3-0), Germany (3-0), and the USA (3-1). In Hong Kong, Poland lost to Brazil (1-3) but bounced back with victories over the Dominican Republic (3-0) and Thailand (3-0). They will conclude the preliminary round against China.
The VNL 2024 final tournament will be held from June 20-23 in Bangkok, featuring the top seven teams from the intercontinental phase and host nation.
Italy Defeats USA 3-1 in Fukuoka
Italy continued their winning streak in the Volleyball Nations League, defeating the USA 3-1 in Fukuoka. This victory follows their wins against Canada and South Korea, strengthening their position for the Finals.
Despite the absence of Caterina Bosetti due to a calf strain, Italy showed excellent performance and teamwork. Key players included Paola Egonu with 22 points, Miriam Sylla with 13 points, and Sara Fahr with 12 points.
Coach Julio Velasco praised the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure against a strong USA team. Italy’s next match is against Serbia, and a win could secure them a high ranking for the quarterfinals.
Pool 5 (Hong Kong, China) June 11-16
Saturday, June 15
Dominican Republic vs. Bulgaria 2-3 (26-24, 23-25, 22-25, 26-24, 13-15)
In an intense five-set battle, Bulgaria emerged victorious over the Dominican Republic. The match was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging sets and showcasing their resilience. Despite winning the first and fourth sets, the Dominican Republic couldn’t secure the win, falling short in the decisive fifth set with a score of 13-15.
Poland vs. Thailand 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-17)
Pool 6 (Fukuoka, Japan) June 11-16
Saturday, June 15
Canada vs. France 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 31-29)
Canada showcased their prowess with a sweeping victory over France. The Canadian team was in control throughout the match, with a particularly impressive performance in the first two sets. The third set saw a tighter contest, but Canada managed to edge out France in a thrilling 31-29 finish.
Italy vs. USA 3-1 (25-17, 19-25, 25-15, 25-21)
