Poland's national volleyball team suffered its first defeat in this year's edition of the Nations League. The Turkish team halted the "white-reds"' quest for a third consecutive victory, but it happened after an extremely hard-fought match, in which the Polish women did not give up without a fight.
Turkey prevailed at the end of the first set
The beginning of the match was very even. Aleksandra Szczygłowska stood out with excellent defenses, and Martyna Czyrniańska impressed with attacks – the score was 2:2. Subsequently, the Turkish women took a two-point lead, but the Polish women quickly equalized. The situation was repeated, with Alexia Karutasu shining in attack for Turkey. The score went point for point (12:12, 15:15), and Poland's stable defense maintained the balance. After another successful diagonal attack by Czyrniańska, Poland took a one-point lead. But after Stysiak's block was overcome, the game fell apart. Turkey led 22:18 and did not relinquish the lead until the end, with Yaprak Erkek scoring the decisive point.
Poland responds with a convincing second set
In the second part, the Polish women started strongly. A single block by Dominika Pierzchała brought a 4:1 lead. The Turkish women began to close the gap, but Olwia Różański troubled the opponent with strong serves. After an ace by Różański – 7:4. Poland distinguished itself with aggressive play in service and blocking, and the lead reached 18:10. Hande Baladın tried to bring Turkey back into the game, but the "white-reds" closed the set with a convincing 7-point lead.
Turkey again prevails in key moments
The third set started similarly to the second, but too many service errors by Poland allowed Turkey to equalize at 7:7. Alice Grabka fought at the net for 11:11. The Turkish women also had difficulties, but Baladın led their attack. In the end, the scenario from the first set was repeated – Turkey took a 20:18 lead, and although Poland fought, Erkek again scored the decisive point.
Heroic play by Dominika Pierzchała in the fourth set
The fourth set began with a block by Agnieszka Korneluk. Turkey took a 5:4 lead, and then a three-point lead. However, the entry of Polina Damaske infused new energy – 9:8. Another strong period by Pierzchała led to a comeback – 18:15. Turkey tried to come back with a serve by Saliha Şahin, but Różański ended the set – 25:22 and 2:2 in the match.
Turkey decisive in the tie-break
In the decisive fifth set, the Turkish women quickly took a 6:3 lead after a successful counterattack. Karutasu added an ace, and Elif Şahin's serve made the difference unreachable – 12:6. Turkey unequivocally closed the match at 15:7 and won 3:2.
Final score:
Poland – Turkey 2:3
(21:25, 25:18, 23:25, 25:22, 7:15)
Highlights:
Dominika Pierzchała was among the best players on the Polish team.
Turkey distinguished itself with consistency in attack, led by Baladın and Karutasu.
Poland impressed with excellent defense but made too many service errors.
A match that proved that there are no easy victories in the Nations League – especially when two of the most combative nations face each other.
