VNL: Poland comes back to stun Thailand

Poland rallied back from 0-2 down to beat Thailand. PNVF

By Dugout Philippines

QUEZON CITY--Poland displayed tremendous composure to beat Thailand, 22-25, 27-29, 25-16, 25-16, 15-13, and earn its first Week 2 win in the Volleyball Nations League Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite having a shorthanded roster, the Thais were able to snatch the first two sets before the Polish people regrouped in the next three behind the superb playmaking of setter Joanna Wolosz.

"It feels great that we won the match. We know that they (Thais) are a really good team so we have to do our best," said outside hitter Olivia Rozanski, who took the scoring mantle for Poland with 20 points, including two blocks, to go with 16 digs and six receptions.

"I'm really happy that we won and we showed that we too, are really a good team and we can fight until the end," she added.

Wolosz was able to connect well with her spikers that keyed the victory for the Polish people and used her height advantage with a team-high four blocks.

"She's great," said Rozanski on Wolosz, who plays in Italy's A1 club league champion Imoco Volley Conegliano.

The victory was Poland's fourth in six contests, matching Thailand's record in the event that has Mikasa, Ganten, Gerflor, and Senoh as global sponsors and global suppliers, PLDT Home as presenting partner, Rebisco, MG Philippines, TOP Speed Insurance, Asics and Maynilad as official sponsors, Havas Ortega, The Look Company, Summit Outdoor Media, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marketing Media Ventures, Strong Media Advertising Solutions. 91.5 Win Radio, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, City of Taguig, Quezon City, and F2 Logistics as official suppliers.

Martyna Czyrnianska and Weronika Szlagowska each scored 18 points, Kamila Witkowska had 15 points while Klaudia Alagierska also logged double-digit scoring for the 10th-ranked team in the world with 13 points.

Chatchu-On Moksri had 26 points, including five blocks, 15 receptions, and 11 digs, while Pimpichaya Kokram added 13 points and 12 digs before sitting out the fourth set due to injury for the 14th-ranked Thais.

Poland will face reigning VNL champions United States at 11 a.m. on Friday, while Thailand plays Japan in a duel of Asian powerhouses at 7 p.m. at the Big Dome.

Follow the site on Twitter: @DugoutPH