In a captivating Women’s Volleyball Nations League group phase encounter on June 18th, Poland demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming a determined Netherlands squad in a grueling five-set thriller. The match, a true test of endurance and skill, saw Poland emerge victorious with a 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-12, 15-10) scoreline, securing a hard-fought win against their Dutch counterparts.
Team Statistics
| Category | Netherlands | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 55 | 53 |
| Block | 4 | 9 |
| Serve | 7 | 3 |
| Opponent Error | 29 | 34 |
| Total Points | 95 | 99 |
| Category | Netherlands | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Dig | 82 | 91 |
| Reception | 88 | 79 |
| Set | 136 | 130 |
The Netherlands started the match with impressive momentum, dominating the first set with a comfortable 25-17 victory. Their attack was fluid, and they capitalized on early Polish errors. However, Poland quickly regrouped, showcasing their fighting spirit in a tightly contested second set. Despite the Dutch pushing them, Poland edged out a 25-23 win, leveling the playing field and hinting at the epic contest to follow.

Netherlands Player Statistics
| Player No | Player Name | Position | Total ABS | Attack Points | Block Points | Serve Points | Errors | Efficiency % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Dambrink | O | 18 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14.58 |
| 21 | Stuut | MB | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0.00 |
| 20 | Kok | OH | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7.32 |
| 17 | Vos | OH | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | -4 | -4.00 |
| 13 | Van De Vosse | O | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4.35 |
The third set saw the Netherlands reclaim their dominance, once again taking it with a 25-17 margin. Their strategic play and effective offense seemed to put them in a commanding position. Yet, Poland refused to yield. The fourth set became a pivotal moment, with Poland unleashing a relentless assault, overwhelming the Netherlands with a decisive 25-12 win. This dominant performance forced the match into a tie-breaking fifth set, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
In the crucial fifth set, Poland maintained their composure and momentum. Their defense tightened, and their attacks found their mark, ultimately securing the set 15-10 and clinching the match. The victory highlighted Poland’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt their strategy when it mattered most.

Poland Player Statistics
| Player No | Player Name | Position | Total ABS | Attack Points | Block Points | Serve Points | Errors | Efficiency % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Korneluk (C) | MB | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 20.00 |
| 17 | Smarzek | O | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14.55 |
| 15 | Czyrniańska | OH | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -3.92 |
| 8 | Piasecka | OH | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| 11 | Łukasik | OH | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12.50 |
The overall statistics reveal a closely fought contest. While the Netherlands had a slight edge in attack points (55-53) and significantly more serves (7-3), Poland’s superior blocking (9-4) proved to be a crucial differentiator. Both teams benefited significantly from opponent errors, with Poland gaining more points from this avenue (34-29). In terms of match skills, Poland out-dug the Netherlands (91-82), showcasing their defensive tenacity, while the Netherlands excelled in reception and setting.
Poland’s victory was a team effort, but special mention goes to Korneluk, who led her team with 19 points, including a notable 4 blocks, highlighting Poland’s strength at the net. Smarzek was also instrumental with 17 attack points. The match served as a testament to the competitive spirit in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League.
Sources: VolleyballWorld VolleyballWorld
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