The South Korean women’s volleyball team, led by head coach Cesar Hernández González, hung its head in shame in its second match of Group C at the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification. South Korea fell 1-3 (22-25 26-24 21-25 9-25) to Poland in their second Group C match on Monday (Sept. 18) in Łódź, Poland.

With the loss, Korea falls to 2-2, while Poland joins the United States, Italy, and Germany with two wins. South Korea, Colombia, Thailand, and Slovenia suffered two losses each.

Unlike the first game against Italy, Korea fared relatively well against Poland. Kang So-hwi (GS Caltex) and Pyo Seung-ju (IBK) had 16 and 15 points, respectively, while middle blockers Lee Ju-ah (Heungkuk Life) and Jung Ho-young (Chung Kwan-jang) combined for 17 points, including six blocks.

However, they were outmatched in a firepower matchup with Poland. The Poles were powered by their left and right sides.

Magdalena Stasiak scored a team-high 22 points and Martina Lukaszczyk added 20 to lead the offense.

South Korea fought back late in the first set, trailing 19-23. It was a late rally, but Lee Ju-ah’s attack and Kang So-hwi’s serve rattled the Polish defense. Poland scored late in the set to take the first set, but Korea raised their spirits.

The second set was similar to the first. Korea rallied late in the set and, unlike in the first set, tied the score at 21-21 with a combination of Kang So-hwi’s attack and an opponent error. With momentum on their side, Korea scored back-to-back points to take a 23-21 lead.

Poland caught up and made deuce, and this time Korea had the last laugh. At 24-24, Pyo Seung-joo was the solution. Pyo scored two consecutive points on deuce and Korea evened the set.

The match went to three sets. South Korea kept it close with Poland, but Poland’s back row favored South Korea. Poland took the third set to take the set lead.온라인카지노

The fourth set was a close one. Poland took advantage of Stasiak and Lukasz in the middle of the set and extended their lead to 16-7.

Korea was outmatched by Poland in the height battle. The Poles recorded 22 blocks, while Korea only managed eight despite a split between Lee Ju-ah and Jung Ho-young. Korea will play Germany in the third round on Nov. 19. Poland will play the third match against Colombia on the 20th.