Poland and France recorded victories on the second day of the Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial. The hosts lost the first set against the USA but achieved a 3:1 success and now have two wins in the tournament. The French also had to make a comeback after Slovenia convincingly won the first set, but the Olympic champions took the next three sets for a final 3:1.
Poland – USA 3:1
Poland – USA 3:1(22:25,25:15,25:20,25:22)
The Americans started the match better and took a 6:3 lead. Poland gradually stabilized their game, and after a successful block by Kevin Sasak, they equalized at 11:11. Cooper Robinson, however, continued to be effective, and the USA again took the initiative – 19:16. In the decisive moments, Merrick McHenry excelled from the serve, and a block against Wilfredo Leon ended the first set – 25:22.
The second set started evenly before Poland made a big run on Szymon Jakubiszak's serve. The hosts pulled away to 14:6 and this time did not allow the opponent to come back. Jake Hanes attacked into the Polish block on set point, and a service error by Jeffrey Jendryk made it 25:15 and 1:1.
Poland continued their better play in the third set. Wilfredo Leon caused problems from the serve, and Jakubiszak was strong again from the service line. The Poles took a 16:11 lead and maintained the initiative until the end. At 24:18, the advantage was already decisive, and an American error brought 25:20.
The fourth set was even. Initially, the USA had a minimal advantage, with Cole Hartke playing well, but Poland's strong blocking allowed the hosts to pull away at 19:17. Aleksander Śliwka overcame the American block for 21:18, and the last point in the match was scored by Kamil Semeniuk – 25:22 and 3:1.
The most effective player for Poland was Jakub Krzysak with 13 points. Kevin Sasak added 12, Aleksander Śliwka – 11, and Wilfredo Leon – 9. For the USA, Aaron Russell finished with 20 points, Cooper Robinson added 12, and Jake Hanes – 11.
France overturned Slovenia after a tough first set
Slovenia – France 1:3(25:16,21:25,15:25,21:25)
Slovenia started very strongly and quickly took an 8:3 lead. The team controlled the events on the court and did not allow France to get close, convincingly winning the first set 25:16.
From the second set, however, the picture changed. The French imposed their rhythm, and Stephen Boyer became their main figure in attack. The Olympic champions equalized after 25:21 and gradually took full control of the match.
France's superiority was most noticeable in the third set. Andrea Giani's team was significantly more effective in attack and did not allow the Slovenians to resist – 25:15 and a comeback to 2:1.
The French maintained the initiative in the fourth set as well. Slovenia tried to stay in the match, but Boyer and his teammates controlled the final part and reached 25:21, thus forming the final 3:1.
Stephen Boyer was the top scorer for France with 21 points, Antoine Bultron added 12, and Ibrahim Gaye – 10. For Slovenia, Bračko was the top scorer with 18 points, and Marovt finished with 13.
After the first two days, Poland has two wins – 3:2 against Slovenia and 3:1 against the USA. On Sunday, the hosts will face France in their last match of the Wagner Memorial, which is also the last test for the Poles before EuroVolley 2026 and their arrival in Sofia.
photo:fundacjawagnera.pl
