Poland defeated Sweden 3:2 in sets (18:25, 23:25, 25:16, 25:9, 15:6) in an exciting clash, where the Swedish team relied entirely on its star, Isabelle Haak. Despite Haak's strong performance, the Poles managed to make a comeback after trailing 0:2 in sets. Thus, the hosts topped the standings of the International President's Cup Tournament in Koszalin, where the Bulgarian team also plays.
In the first two sets, the Swedish team maximally capitalized on Isabelle Haak's attacks, with most of their balls directed towards her. She attacked over the block into the last meters of the court, which brought a significant lead for Sweden. The Polish team struggled to find its rhythm with its new lineup and to build an effective defense. Despite Julia Nowicka's efforts and Olivia Różański's effectiveness at the end of the first set, Sweden won 25:18.
The second set started evenly, but the Polish team gradually managed to build a lead. Magdalena Stysiak found her rhythm and became an effective answer to Isabelle Haak. However, thanks to Julia Nilsson, the Swedes managed to catch up. Ultimately, defensive problems on the Polish side allowed Sweden to win the set 25:23 after smart play by Isabelle Haak and a point scored by Hanna Hellvig.
After trailing 0:2 in sets, the Polish volleyball players managed to get back into the match. In the third set, Paulina Damaske replaced Martyna Łukasik, and in the Swedish team, Maja Tabron replaced Isabelle Haak. Poland showed high efficiency in attack, and although the Swedes defended better at the end of the set, the Poles did not allow a comeback and won 25:16.
The fourth set was entirely dominated by Poland. With the entry of Katarzyna Wenerska, who distributed the balls excellently, the Polish volleyball players also played strongly in blocking, successfully stopping the opponents' attacks. Sweden had huge problems in offense, which affected the score (2:11, 4:20). Poland won convincingly 25:9, leveling the score in the match.
The tie-break was also won by Poland. Magdalena Stysiak and Olivia Różański led in attack, and Katarzyna Wenerska used clever rallies, carefully assessing the situation on the court (11:3). Poland dominated and won the set 15:6, and with it, the match.
Olivia Różański scored the most points in the match with 28.
Lineups:
Poland:Aleksandra Gryka, Julia Nowicka, Magdalena Stysiak, Martyna Łukasik, Weronika Centka-Tietianiec, Olivia Różański, Justyna Łysiak (L) and Aleksandra Szczygłowska, Dominika Pierzchała, Malwina Smarzek, Alicja Grabka, Paulina Damaske, Katarzyna Wenerska.Coach:Stefano Lavarini.
Sweden:Gunn Hindgren, Isabelle Haak, Hilda Gustafsson, Hanna Hellvig, Anna Haak, Julia Nilsson, Filippa Brinck (L) and Erika Muusihizi, Maja Tabron, Emmi Gustafsson, Cecilia Malm, Kirsten Van Leusen, Paulina Lindberg, Emmy Andersson (L).Coach:Lorenzo Micelli.
On Sunday, at the end of the tournament, the Polish team will play against France, starting at 7:30 PM.
