By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Poland recovered from two sets down to defeat Covid-hit Thailand, 22-25, 27-29, 25-16, 25-16, 15-13, Thursday in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League Women’s Leg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Polish displayed steely resolve as they recovered from painful defeats in the first two sets with their smoldering attack in the next three frames to frustrate the Thais and clinch their fourth win in six matches for 10 points.
The Thais struggled offensively after the management replaced the eight original members of the team who were infected with the virus.
Olivia Rozanski bannered Poland with 20 points built on 17 kills, two blocks and one ace while Martyna Czyrnianska and Weronika Szlagowska chipped in 18 points including combined 29 attacks.
“It feels great that we won. We know that they’re a really good team and that we have to give our best today,” Rozanski said.
“We changed something in our mentality (after being down two sets). We started to believe in ourselves. We know we can do great things, that’s the idea.”
Poland set the pace in the fifth set where it led 7-2, but Thailand refused to give up without a fight by fighting every point to keep the match close.
The Thais even took a 13-12 advantage after gaining three straight points, but the Polish went back to work by nailing the last three crucial points including an ace from Zuzana Gorecka and a block from Klaudia Alagierska.
Kamila Witkowska contributed 15 points for Poland even as Alagierska added 13 points.
Mokrsri Chatchu-On scored 26 points built on 20 kills, five blocks and one ace for the Thais, who dropped to 4-2 for 12 points.
