Poland’s Women’s Volleyball Team Earns ‘Biggest Win’ in Nations League as Bednaruk Praises Second Week Performance

Jakub Bednaruk has called Poland’s women’s volleyball team’s second week in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League their “biggest win” yet, with a 6-0 record now in hand. The coach’s assessment comes as the team pushes for a spot in the final tournament, where they’ll face stiff competition from top-ranked teams.

With two weeks of pool play completed, Poland sits atop their Nations League group, having secured victories over Germany, Netherlands, and Romania. Bednaruk’s praise follows a string of dominant performances that have reignited confidence in the team’s playoff ambitions.

Jakub Bednaruk: “To największa wygrana w historii naszej reprezentacji w Lidze Narodów. To jest początek czegoś wielkiego.”

@polsatsport

Why This ‘Biggest Win’ Could Decide Poland’s Playoff Fate

Bednaruk’s declaration of a “biggest win” isn’t just about results—it’s about momentum. With only four spots available for the final tournament (July 18–21 in Rotterdam), Poland must maintain this form to avoid a playoff berth. The team’s 6-0 start contrasts sharply with their recent struggles, including a ranking drop from podium to 5th after losses to USA and Brazil.

“This isn’t just about wins—it’s about consistency,” said Polsat Sport analyst Marek Woźniak. “The team has shown they can beat anyone now, but the Nations League is a marathon, not a sprint.” The next two matches—against Italy and Japan—will test whether this form is sustainable.

How Poland’s ‘Biggest Win’ Was Built: A Tactical Analysis

Poland’s success stems from three key adjustments under Bednaruk:

• Serving Dominance: The team’s 42.1% serving efficiency (per FIVB stats) has disrupted opponents’ attacks, with Katarzyna Skowrońska and Joanna Wołosz leading the charge. “We’ve turned serving into a weapon,” Bednaruk told Interia Sport.
• Middle Blocker Rotation: The return of Kamila Bednarek (after injury) has stabilized the net, with Poland averaging 3.8 blocks per set—up from 2.9 in their last Nations League match.
• Defensive Shifts: Lavarini’s system has been refined to counter opponents’ setters, with Magdalena Stysiak and Małgorzata Glinka covering 80% of the court more effectively.

Contrast with Recent Struggles: Before this Nations League run, Poland lost to USA (3-0) and Brazil (1-3), where serving efficiency dropped to 34.5%. The improvement is evident in their recent matchups, where they’ve held opponents to under 25% ace rates.

Bednaruk’s Plan: What’s Next for Poland’s Playoff Push

With two matches remaining in pool play, Bednaruk’s focus is on maintaining intensity rather than chasing records. “We’re not playing for points anymore—we’re playing for the final tournament,” he said in a TVP Sport interview.

Key challenges ahead:

• Italy (June 12):** A tough test—Italy sits 3rd in the standings with a 4-2 record. Their Alessia Gennari has been unstoppable (24.8 points per match), and Poland will need to limit her effectiveness.
• Japan (June 14):** Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa (22.1 points) could exploit Poland’s defensive gaps if they tire. Bednaruk has warned of “no easy games left.”
• Final Tournament (July 18–21):** If Poland secures a top-4 finish, they’ll face either USA, Brazil, or Serbia in the semifinals.

From Podium to 5th: How Poland’s Ranking Drop Affects Their Ambitions

Poland’s FIVB ranking drop to 5th (down from 3rd) has added pressure, but Bednaruk dismisses it as a “statistical blip.” “Rankings don’t win matches,” he said. “What matters is how we perform in the next two weeks.”

Comparison: Their current 6-0 Nations League record is their best start since 2019, but the 2022 Nations League saw them finish 5th despite a 4-3 record. The difference this year? Consistency. Poland hasn’t lost a set in their last three matches.

Who’s Leading Poland’s Charge? Key Performers in Their ‘Biggest Win’

Three players have been instrumental in Bednaruk’s turnaround:

• Katarzyna Skowrońska (Outside Hitter):** 21.3 points per match, including a 27-point outburst against Romania. “She’s our leader on the court,” Bednaruk said.
• Kamila Bednarek (Middle Blocker):** Returned from injury and is averaging 3.1 blocks per set—critical against tall opponents.
• Joanna Wołosz (Libero):** Her defensive digs have saved 18% of points in passing situations, per FIVB stats.

Next Match: Poland vs. Italy – June 12, 18:00 UTC+2 (12:00 UTC)

Where: Volleyhalle Berlin, Berlin, Germany

TV: TVP Sport (Poland), RAI Play (Italy)

Key to Watch: Can Poland limit Alessia Gennari (Italy’s top scorer) while maintaining their serving efficiency?

Frequently Asked Questions About Poland’s Nations League Push

How to Follow Poland’s Nations League Journey

Poland’s next match against Italy will be broadcast live on TVP Sport (Poland) and RAI Play (Italy). For real-time updates, follow @polsatsport or FIVB’s Nations League page.

With the final tournament less than two months away, every match counts. Will Poland’s “biggest win” be enough to secure their place in Rotterdam? Share your predictions in the comments below.