Poland celebrates their second win in the FIVB WGP Group 2B turnament in Zielona Góra
Zielona Góra, Poland, June 4, 2016 - Anna Grejman scored a match-high 18 points as Poland registered a second victory of World Grand Prix Group 2B tournament in Zielona Góra defeating Czech Republic 3-1 (25-15, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23).
Anna Grejman's 18 points (including two service aces) proved to be decisive for the second Poland's victory in the tournament as she ranked ahead of teammate Berenika Tomsia with 15 points scored. Both players played also a crucial role in
Poland's 3-1 win against Canada on Friday. Poland kicked off a World Grand Prix campaign with two straight victories only the second time in 13 appearances.
In the first part of set one coach Alexander Waibl's reconfigured line-up fended quite well against the Polish hosts. Things changed dramatically when Poland found their right pace and put on quite a show, not just in attack but most of all in block - the volleyball fundamental which brought the tall Poles as much as seven points by the end of the set, 25:15 for the hosts.
Poland’s good blocking continued, but both sides made a lot more errors in set two. The teams remained in a near tie until the second technical time-out (16-15 for the Czech Republic). Czech team started to quickly build a substantial advantage of 22-16, after scoring four points in a row. Poland had their own streak of points, but the opponents were still ahead of them, gaining the first set-ball at 24-20. Supported by the cheering crowd, the white-reds managed to defend as much as three set-balls but Czech players eventually got what they wanted with the fourth one: 25-23 in set number two.
Poland managed to arrive at the first technical timeout of set three before their rivals, but a combination of great serving from Michaela Mlejnkova and now-functioning Czech block put Czech Republic on the lead with a score of 10-8. A close fight ensued, with both teams switching places as the leading side. The turning point came after a tie of 17-17 and subsequent good defensive game by Poland gave them enough opportunities to win the set 25-20.
Related information:FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2016 - Media GuideSuperb performance in defence was also Poland’s trademark in the fourth set. After a slower start, coach Nawrocki’s girls managed to get back from 4-10 to a 10-all with a beautiful service ace by Martyna Grajber and some long, exciting rallies. Czech players were far from admitting defeat as they got back on the lead again, while Poland fought bravely to avoid a tie-breaker. However, great teamwork by Poland and some mistakes by coach Waibl’s players tipped the scales in the host’s favour: 25-23 and 3-1 for Poland.