The Polish women's national team missed the opportunity to qualify for the final tournament of the Volleyball Nations League in Macao, after allowing a dramatic comeback against host Japan and losing 2:3 (25:20, 25:14, 19:25, 21:25, 13:15) in their last preliminary round match in Osaka.
After the first two sets, Stefano Lavarini's team seemed a sure participant in the final eight. The Poles controlled the events on the court, played very strongly on block and capitalized on many Japanese errors, especially from captain Mayu Ishikawa. Magdalena Stysiak, Maja Koput, and Magdalena Jurczyk were fundamental to their successes with 25:20 and a convincing 25:14 in the second set.
After the break, however, the hosts completely changed their game. The entry of setter Nanami Seki gave a new impetus to the Japanese play, and Yukiko Wada led the team in attack. Japan significantly improved its performance in attack and defense, reducing the deficit with 25:19 in the third set, and then equalizing the score with 25:21 in the fourth.
The tie-break started better for the hosts, but Poland managed to get back into the game several times. However, the crucial moments went Japan's way. At 13:11, Alicja Grabka made a critical error, and Yoshino Sato ended the intrigue with an ace for the final 15:13.
Magdalena Stysiak was the top scorer for Poland with 27 points, Maja Koput added 12, and Magdalena Jurczyk finished with 8 points.
For Japan, Yukiko Wada also scored 27 points, Mayu Ishikawa contributed 18, and Yoshino Sato added 16.
With this success, the Japanese secured the last spot in the final tournament of the Volleyball Nations League in Macao, while Poland concluded its participation in the competition and is now focusing on the European Championship.

photo:volleyballworld.com