Poland – Austria
Poland dominated the first set, especially after the first technical time-out that came at 8-6. Pawel Gryc was almost unstoppable in serving (3 aces) and attacking (75%) as Poland piled up a huge lead to finish the set at 25-15.
Both teams stepped up their efforts in offense during the second set and this was particularly true for the Austrian side. Nina Sawatzki’s team still trailed in the score, but this time much closer behind their strong opponents. With Rafal Szymura upping substantially his spiking efficiency in this set and Austria still making more unforced errors than their rivals, Poland won by 25-22.
With Paul Buchegger continuing to be very prolific in Austria’s offense, his team looked for a way back into the match at the beginning of the third set. It took an early 3-point lead and kept it intact through the first technical time-out (8-5). After that Poland gradually turned things around. Aleksander Sliwka and captain Bartosz Bucko led the Polish attack into piling up another large gap and a powerful one-man block by Krzysztof Bienkowski put an end to the set at 25-19.
Nina Sawatzki, head coach of the Austria: ”We know that the Poles were the favorites. Their athletic and technical skills were better. Our wish was to start the tournament as good as we can, and I think we did well.“
Bartosz Bucko, captain of Poland: ”I think we played well and I am sure we can do even better. We will show it tomorrow against Belgium. We started this tournament well and I think we will be in the finals. Belgium has a really good team, but I think we are better.“
Florian Ertl, captain of Austria: ”I think Poland has a pretty strong team and I think we played well. It was a good game. If we continue to play this well we will win the next games and finish second in our pool to make it to the semi finals.“
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 M.
