12/07/2014 23:00
Poland wins last home match, defeats Spain 3:1
2014 CEV Volleyball European League - Women
Koszalin, Poland, July 12, 2014. Poland scored a hard fought 3:1 (25-18, 24-26, 25-18, 25-21) win over Spain in the last match of their campaign in the 2014 CEV Volleyball European League – Women. Though they were already out of contention for a spot in the finals, the Polish women finished their duties on a high note with two home victories to settle for second place in Pool B with 20 points, three behind the leaders from Germany who will try to retain their title playing Turkey in the finals.
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The teams played their last match knowing they did not stand any chance to progress to the finals. The game began with yesterday’s winners taking the lead, but Spain was not far behind, at one point hand in hand (5:5) with Poland. The home team was up 8:6 and 16:12 at the first and second technical time-outs respectively, but was not as dominant as in the first match, ultimately winning the first set by 25-19.
Set two started with Spain quickly establishing a three-point advantage, which was maintained through the first technical time-out (8:5). The white-and-red team managed to break even by 10-10, after which a hard fight ensued, with neither of the sides able to gain a decisive advantage over the opponents. Poland was leading 16:13 at the second mandatory stop, but soon it was Spain again to move to the front at 17:16. The teams went head to head again, with Poland only slightly on the lead until another turning point at 24 all – a chance exploited by the guests, who won this set by 26-24.
Poland managed to go even by 6:6 in set three after a successful block, a fundamental that had not functioned well in the previous set. Coach Pascual Saurin’s players kept leading for most of the set, but to the delight of the home crowd it was eventually won by Poland, after its fantastic six-point streak, fuelled by both determination and luck, right up to the final 25-18.
Set four saw both teams scoring up to three points in a row, just to give the lead back to their opponents a moment later. Spain’s reception seemed better than the day before, while Poland maintained its level from the previous match, resulting in long rallies rather than in powerful attacks. Coach Piotr Makowski’s girls had three points over Spain by the second technical time-out and managed to keep their advantage till the end (25-21).
Poland’s Katarzyna Zaroslinska and Spain’s Maria Segura led the scorers with 19 points each. Zaroslinska’s teammate Julia Twardowska recorded 17 points for the White-and-Reds while the captain of the Polish team, setter Joanna Wolosz, was chosen as MVP of the match.
Pascual Saurin, head coach of Spain, said: “Today we saw a much better game on both sides; both teams did well in blocking and defence, which made the game more amusing for the spectators. I want to congratulate the organisers, team Poland on their win and wish them good luck for the upcoming start of the FIVB World Grand Prix.”
Polish team captain Joanna Wolosz: “The match was very balanced. Spain improved their defence game, picking up some really difficult balls. I’m happy with our victory in the last match of the tournament. It’s a good boost for our morale. Now we have to focus on preparing for the World Grand Prix.”
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