Polish players started the 2023 season successfully. In the first of two matches against France, Stefano Lavarini’s team won 4-0. Although the meeting was a sparring match, some players remember it strongly. There was also a desire to play under the white-red flag.
The Polish volleyball team had a good time last season. Byalo-Chervone got into the top eight of the best world championships, which was the best result at this event in 60 years. With great faith in success and good results, the team enters the games of the current season. Volleyball players Stefano Lavarini face a number of difficult tasks, including Olympic qualification.
Hunger for a fight in the Polish volleyball team
Before the start of the League of Nations, the Poles test their form against the French - a team that does not play in the League of Nations, but thanks to the organization of the Olympics next year already has a place in the Olympic tournament. In the first of two matches the score was 4:0. The result may surprise you, but we are talking about sparring, which was planned in advance for at least four sets.
Poles train in full strength for only a few days. Completely, but at the same time truncated to a dozen surnames. Despite the long list of nominees, some did not receive invitations to the training camp. This group is preparing individually and waiting for a possible call from the Italian coach. Among the players who immediately joined the team is Martina Lukasik. An experienced representative of the country says that after a great game last season, the expectations and motivation to fight are even greater.
“I always come to the team with the same attitude. The thirst for the game grows season after season. We all see the potential of our team. They did a very good job last year. As a result, we place higher demands on ourselves,” says Lukasik. “It was a good team. Everyone gives 100 percent and knows what the goal is. We also understand each other well off the field, which also contributes to good communication on the field, adds the national team owner.
Martina Lukasik with extra motivation
Lukasik recalls last club season with mixed feelings. On the one hand, Grupa Azoty Chemik Police won the Polish Cup, on the other hand, it recorded the worst result in the league since moving to the Tauron Liga in 2013. The club from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship sensationally lost in the quarterfinals to the opening of the season Grot Budovlany Lodz. Lukasik admits that she had more time to recover and mentally relax. She arrived in Radom (and earlier in Szczyrk) in full force and ready to fight for a place in the main team.
“We reached full capacity only from Monday. There was little time for training. We focus more on our side of the net than on the opponent. What we need to do and improve. Regardless of the circumstances, the result is above all. We are focused on the fight for victory. After all, sport is victory. Matches like the match with France are needed for verification, the 23-year-old said after the first match.
Debutante ŁKS Commercecon Łódź
The first camp in 2023 also brought debuts in the national team. Joanna Paczak and Julita Piasecka made their debut against France. The first one last season was in a Volley Wrocław T-shirt. The second one won the Polish championship with ŁKS Commercecon Łódź. The youngest player told Wprost about the last crazy weeks of her life.
“Lately, everything in my life is happening very quickly. There were many important moments, for example, the championship of Poland. For now, I’m working non-stop. I appreciate being in the picture. Initially, I was not supposed to come to the training camp, but finally I had a chance. It’s a great experience. I am happy to be here and have the opportunity to work with a new coach. I work with an Italian every day, but Stefano Lavarini has a different personality than Alessandro Ciappini. I don’t see much similarity between them,” Piasecka laughs.
FIVB Ranking Points Battle
The most important goal for the coming weeks is the League of Nations. In the last edition, the Poles took 13th place (out of 16 teams), which can be regarded as a disappointment. This season there is no place for big experiments. In a situation where the FIVB rating can determine the entrance to the Olympics, each victory is very valuable.
“The whole international season promises to be difficult. We will be result oriented. We’re looking at VNL right now because that’s the next tournament. From day to day we will prepare for our rivals. I hope that there will be as many of these victories and points in the ranking as possible, - says Lukasik.
“I will play with a team. If I get the chance to play in the Nations League, I will do everything to show my best side. We all know how important singles matches will be,” says Piasecka.
First VNL Tournament 2023 in Turkey
The Polish national team will take part in the first VNL 2023 tournament in Antalya, Turkey (May 30 - June 3). There he will meet with the national teams of Canada, Italy, Thailand and Serbia. The top eight teams will advance to the final tournament in Arlington, Texas, USA (housewives are guaranteed to compete).
Source: Wprost
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have been an author at Daily News Hack for the past 1 year. I mostly cover sports news, but I also have a keen interest in current affairs and politics. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis and spending time with my family.
