The Chinese women's national team achieved an impressive comeback against Poland and recorded their fourth consecutive victory in the first week of the Volleyball Nations League. In front of their home crowd in Nanjing, the Asians won 3:1 (16:25, 25:18, 25:23, 26:24) and inflicted the first defeat on Stefano Lavarini's team.
After the success, the Chinese team accumulated 8 points and overtook Poland in the current standings, climbing to fifth place. The Polish team remained with 7 points and dropped to sixth position.
Stefano Lavarini started the match with Alicja Grabka, Julia Szczurowska, Maja Koput, Anna Obiala, Julita Piasecka, Monika Lampkowska, and libero Aleksandra Szczygłowska.
The beginning was entirely in favor of "Drużyna Polska". Thanks to Szczurowska's strong serve and Piasecka's effective attacking play, the Europeans quickly built a comfortable lead and won the first set convincingly 25:16 without problems.
In the second set, the hosts significantly improved their defense and counter-attack game. The Chinese team took the initiative in the middle of the set and maintained their lead until the end for a 25:18 win and tying the score.
The third set offered much more drama. China led 13:7, but after Lavarini's double substitution and the entry of Sieradzka and Wenerska, Poland got back into the game. Nevertheless, the hosts showed stronger nerves in the decisive moments and closed the set 25:23 after a successful block.
A similar scenario unfolded in the fourth set. The Chinese team again controlled much of the game, but the Polish team managed to overcome a three-point deficit and tie at 23:23. In the last two rallies, however, the hosts asserted their will and ended the match 26:24 after a block.
The top scorer for the winners was outside hitter Zhuang Yueshan with 24 points and 51% attack efficiency. For Poland, Julita Piasecka scored 16 points, and Monika Lampkowska added 14.
According to statistics, the key difference came from forced errors. Although both teams finished with identical stats in attack and block, China won six more points from opponent errors and compensated for their deficit in serving.
Statistics also show the superiority of the Chinese team in the defensive phase. Eight more digs in defense allowed the hosts to organize more counter-attacks and turn the tide after losing the first set.

Provisional standings

China finished the first week with one loss and three wins, making a strong claim for a place among the tournament leaders. Poland remains among the contenders for the final eight, but the first defeat showed that the team still has work to do, especially in long rallies and stability at the end of sets.

photo:volleyballworld.com