Poland dominated host Mexico in a five-set thriller at the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship on Thursday to improve their win-loss record (2-1) in Pool A and will face Canada (1-2) to complete pool play on Friday.

Mexico suffered their first tournament loss (2-1) and will play undefeated Serbia in their last pool-play match. All four teams in Pool A will progress to the play-offs that start on Sunday as Cameroon was unable to attend and forfeited all their matches.

Poland vs Mexico 3-2 (21-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-12, 15-13)

Poland’s blocking element was crucial to come out on top with a comfortable 11-6 margin, as well as a 58-43 advantage in attacks. Mexico scored nine points on serves against seven and committed fewer errors (31-33).

Outside hitter Karolina Staniszewska of Poland led all scorers with 19 points on 17 kills and two aces. Also contributing to the winning effort was outside hitter Edyta Waclawczyk who came off the bench in the second set with 17 points (14 kills, 2 blocks, 1 ace) and middle blocker Natalia Kecher with ten points (7 kills, 2 blocks, 1 ace).

Mexican best scorer was outside hitter Aime Margarita Topete with 18 points on 15 kills and three aces, alongside opposite hitter Leah Palmira Linares with 12 points.

Poland's Head coach Andrzej Peć, said the experience of performing in front of a noisy crowd helps his team's overall development, “It’s the first time my team has ever performed in front of such a big crowd, it was stressful and at the same time a great experience". He expressed his satisfaction of winning a roller-coaster match "now it was my team’s turn to win, we lost to Serbia in five sets".

Cameroon had been due to participate in the event; however, was unable to arrange their visas for Mexico in time and so forfeited their matches. (Cameroon v Canada).

Quick links:
2021 FIVB Volleyball Girls' U18 World Championship
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