Poland in the VNL Week 2 in Manila. –FIVB PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Poland fought its way back from two sets down to turn back a depleted Thailand side, 22-25, 27-29, 25-16, 25-16, 15-13, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Polish spikers pounced on the undermanned Thais, who have eight players namely Piyanut Pannoy, Suppattra Pairoj, Watchareeya Nuanjam, Sutadta Chuewulim, Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, Tichakorn Boonlert and Natthanicha Jaisean testing positive for COVID-19.
Setter Joanna Wolosz delivered the brilliant plays for Poland and had a team-high four blocks for her seven-point outing as they earned their first win in the Quezon City leg after losing to Japan in straight sets last Tuesday.
When the final set was tied at 13-all, Zuzanna Gorecka nailed a clutch service ace to put Poland at match point, while Klaudia Alagierska executed the match-clinching block to complete their come-from-behind victory.
Olivia Rozanski led the Poles’ balanced attack with 20 points built on 17 spikes, two blocks, and an ace.
It feels great that we won the match. We know that they (Thais) are a really good team so we have to do our best,” said Olivia Rozanski, who also had 16 digs and six receptions. “I’m really happy that we won and we showed that we too, are really a good team and we can fight until the end.”
Martyna Czyrnianska and Weronika Szlagowska unloaded 18 points each, while Kamila Witkowska and Alagierska were also instrumental with 15 and 13 markers, respectively.
Poland tied Thailand at 4-2, but the latter holds the No.5 seed with 12 points, two markers ahead of the former.
Chatchu-on Moksri lifted the Thais with 26 points off 20 kills, five blocks and an ace. coming from attacks with five blocks and one ace. Pimpichaya Kokram had 13 points and 12 digs, but she sat out starting in the fourth set.
Replacement player Jarasaporn Bundasak and Ajcharaporn Kongyot added nine points each.
Bundasak and fellow replacement players Wipawee Srithrong, Kannika Thipachot, Tichaya Boonlert, and Khatthalee Pinsuwan joined the team in lieu of the infected members.