After an emotional and dynamic battle in the small final of the Women's Volleyball Nations League, the Polish national team won the bronze medals, defeating Japan with a score of 3:1 (25:15, 24:26, 25:16, 25:23). Stefano Lavarini's girls demonstrated mature play, stable defense, and powerful attack, giving up only in the second set after a dramatic finish.

✅ Strong start with Poland's dominance

The first set began with strong pressure from the Poles, who took a 5:1 lead after an error by Japanese attacker Wada. The European team's block was working perfectly, and the team's star, Magdalena Stysiak, easily converted counter-attacks. At 14:7, after another point by her, Japanese coach Ferhat Akbaş again called for a tactical timeout. Despite brief resistance from Ishikawa and a good intervention from substitute Kitamado, the set logically ended 25:15 after several service errors from the Asian team.

🇯🇵 Japan returns to the match with a dramatic battle

The second set began with an unusual inaccuracy from the Poles – 0:3, and this inspired confidence in the Japanese team. Shimamura and Yoshino led the team's attacks, while Seki orchestrated the game with aces and skillful distribution. Despite attempts by Stysiak and Czyrniańska to reduce the deficit, Japan maintained the pace. Poland nevertheless equalized at 20:20 after blocks and saved balls in defense, but at 24:24 the Japanese showed composure, and an ace by Seki brought success – 26:24.

🔁 The Poles regain control in the third set

After the temporary slump, Poland once again began to impose its will. Strong attacks by Łukasik and effective blocks from Korneluk led to a lead, and the Japanese experienced serious difficulties with the organization of their attack. Wada and Airi were unable to cope with the pressure, and the Poles exuded calmness and discipline in defense. A tip by Łukasik gave set point, and Korneluk closed the part at 25:16.

🧱 Discipline and character in the final set

The fourth set began with another early timeout called by coach Akbaş at 3:0. Japan got back into the game thanks to their blocking, with Seki and Shimamura bringing the score level at 7:7. A long and contested exchange of points followed, in which Poland showed class in key moments. An ace by Łukasik and strong play by Korneluk led to 23:20. The final chord was struck by Magdalena Stysiak with a spectacular attack – 25:23 and 3:1 for Poland.

Comment:Poland demonstrated squad depth and stability, especially in Korneluk, who contributed not only with blocking but also with composure in critical moments. Libero Szczygłowska also played an important role with saved balls in defense. In the Japanese team, Ishikawa and Seki showed flashes, but the lack of finishing in attack had a decisive impact on the outcome of the match.

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