Poland celebrates during a game against Japan in the Volleyball Nations League at Mall of Asia Arena. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Poland delivered its best for last in the Volleyball Nations League’s final game of the Manila leg after sweeping Japan, 25-17, 25-19, 25-18, at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
The Polish, who improved with a 10-2 record, cruised to victory, showing no complacency despite facing a shorthanded Ryujin Nippon squad.
“It’s a great feeling, Japan didn’t play with all the players but it was important for us to keep focused and try to win this game so we can be as high as possible in the standings,” Aleksander Sliwka said after finishing with 11 points.
“Every time we step on the court we want to win the game. No matter who’s on the other side, we’ll play our game in the best way we can. We give a hundred percent every time we’re on the court.”
Poland set the pace early for a dominant win over the world’s No. 6-ranked squad.
The Polish went on a 14-6 run in the third set as the Japanese weren’t able to recover.
Wilfredo Leon Nevero led all scorers with 16 points for Poland while Lukasz Kaczmarek had 12.
Tatsunori Otsuka scored 11 for Japan, which dropped to 10-2.