02/08/2015 01:12
Poland stamp straight-set win to complete weekend of away action in Israel
2015 CEV Volleyball European League - Men
Beer Sheva, Israel, August 1, 2015. After recording a tie-break win on Friday, Poland men’s national team added another one to their record on Saturday as they beat hosts Israel in three sets (25-20, 28-26, 25-22) in their second matchup on schedule for Pool A of the 2015 CEV Volleyball European League.
Poland imposed their rule right from the start of the match (8:5) and made it 15:11 shortly before the second technical time-out was called. After leading by 16:13, Poland had to stand a comeback by the Israeli team that cut their deficit to just one point at 19:18 with excellent play by Tamir Hershko. However, that was the best the home side could achieve as Poland got back on track and brought the opening set to an end at 25-20.
The second set was a close run up to 7 all; Poland got the lead at the first technical time-out (8:7) and even though they extended it at some point, Israel fought back again to make it 22:21 in favour of their opponents. Israel drew level at 24 and again at 26 before a terrific attack sealed the final 28-26 for Poland.
Poland opened set 3 with a two-point lead which was then extended at 6:2. Israel’s mentor Avital Selinger called for a time-out in order to stop the march of the opponent but Poland continued to perform strong to get up by 8:4 at the first technical time-out. Poland’s lead was stretched to 11:6 and was kept at the second technical time-out where the scoreboard showed 16:11 Poland’s way. Israel were able to cut their deficit to two points at 18:16 before scoring their point no. 17 with Hershko. However, Poland broke away again, first at 20:17 and then at 24:21, before bringing the match to an end at 25-22.
Poland’s mentor Andrzej Kowal said: “We played great today. I gave each of my players the chance to play against Israel. We made fewer mistakes today which helped us win the game, and now we have two weeks until the Final Four at home. Thank you to Israel and to the organisers for their hospitality.”
Israeli coach Avital Selinger said: “It was difficult today. Our efforts were not enough against a team of this caliber, we still have a lot of work to do with our young players.”
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