Baku, June 23, 2015 — Poland Women edged Germany Women 3-2 in a five-set thriller at the European Games Women volleyball tournament, delivering one of the most dramatic matches of the competition so far. Poland held their nerve in a tense deciding set to secure a victory that could prove crucial in the race for the podium.

Match Overview

Poland took the first set 25-20 with efficient attacking and a strong block, but Germany answered 25-22 in the second. Poland regained the lead with a 25-23 third-set win, only for Germany to force a decider by taking the fourth 25-20. In the fifth, Poland recovered from 10-10 to win 15-12 and complete a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

Key Moments

• Poland’s late surge in the first set set the tone, with Katarzyna Skowrońska-Dolata finding gaps in Germany’s defence.
• Germany’s block came alive in the second, led by Margareta Kozuch and Christiane Fürst.
• The third set featured long rallies, but Poland’s Anna Werblińska delivered two crucial kills at 23-23.
• In the fifth, Poland won four of the final six points, sealing the match with an Agnieszka Bednarek-Kasza block.

Tactical Story

Poland’s serving strategy targeted Germany’s outside hitters, limiting their ability to run the middle attack. Germany adjusted by using more back-row attacks and quick sets to the opposite, but Poland’s defence held firm in the closing stages. The match was decided by Poland’s ability to side-out under pressure and Germany’s occasional struggles with serve reception in the fifth set.

Standout Players

Katarzyna Skowrońska-Dolata finished with 24 points for Poland, leading all scorers and carrying the attack in critical moments. Anna Werblińska added 17 points and provided stability in reception. Germany’s Margareta Kozuch was excellent with 21 points, while Maren Brinker contributed 15 and Christiane Fürst controlled the net with four blocks.

What It Means

The five-set win gave Poland Women valuable momentum and demonstrated their ability to win tight matches, a key trait in tournament volleyball. Germany Women took a point from the match and showed resilience, but they will rue missed chances in the deciding set as the group and medal race tightened.