In a display of resilience and determination, China recovered from a slow start to defeat Poland 3-1 on Sunday, continuing their impressive momentum at the 2026 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing.
The match began with Poland asserting dominance, taking the opening set decisively at 25-16. However, the host nation quickly regrouped, showcasing a strategic shift in the second set. Driven by a powerful run of serving, China leveled the contest with a 25-18 victory, shifting the energy of the game in front of their home crowd.
The intensity peaked in the following sets as both teams battled for control. China managed to edge out a tightly contested third set 25-23. The fourth set proved to be a nerve-wracking finale, remaining neck-and-neck until the closing moments. China ultimately held their nerve, capitalizing on key Polish errors and sealing the win with a decisive block to finish the set 26-24.
The offensive effort was led by Zhuang Yushan, who delivered a standout performance with 24 points. She was well-supported by Tang Xin and Li Chenxuan, who contributed 11 points each, while Guo Zhongnan added 10 points and Wang Aoqian chipped in with 9 points.
Following the match, captain Gong Xiangyu praised the mental toughness of the squad. "I'm really happy for our young players," she noted. "The last two sets were neck-and-neck. We kept our composure and pulled off the win, and this experience will mean a great deal to them."
Poland had entered the match in strong form, having secured previous victories over Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Serbia. Despite their early lead in Nanjing, they were unable to withstand the surging momentum of the Chinese side.
This victory marks a positive trajectory for coach Zhao Yong's team. After an initial defeat to Türkiye, China has since recorded three consecutive wins against Belgium, the Czech Republic, and now Poland, ending the opening week of the tournament with a solid 3-1 record.
Reference(s):
China fights back to beat Poland for third straight VNL victory
cgtn.com
