China sweep Poland 3-0 for FIVB women's VNL final
The Chinese women's volleyball players celebrated their victory in the semifinals after defeating Poland.
China swept Poland 3-0 and Turkey beat the United States 3-1 here on Saturday, and the two sides are slated to fight for their first gold in the final of the 2023 FIVB women's Volleyball Nations League.
Reigning Olympic champions the United States will meet Poland in the bronze medal match on Sunday.
China registered a straight-set 25-18, 25-23, 25-23 victory over Poland in the semifinals. Li Yingying scored a team-high 14 points for China, with middle blocker Yuan Xinyue and outside hitter Wang Yunlu adding 13 apiece.
"China added some quality in defense," admitted Poland's head coach Lavarini Stefano after the match. "Our service couldn't damage them fast enough to believe that we can face their attack."
"We needed a really much more aggressive approach from the beginning because it's a game like this with an experienced team about these important moments," he continued.
Both China and Turkey expressed their confidence ahead of their decisive encounter on Sunday.
"We're already looking forward to the final and will keep our focus and start preparing for it," said Yuan.
"I feel that this season in the VNL we're playing as a team, everyone is supporting and covering each other," the Chinese team captain added. "This has been a key element for us."
With 23 points, opposite Melissa Vargas was a difference-maker for Turkey, who beat the United States 25-21, 25-14, 24-26, 27-25.
Star opposite Ebrar Karakurt, who played as an outside hitter in the match, got 15 points including 11 attacks, three blocks and one ace for Turkey.
Turkey won VNL silver and bronze medals in 2018 and 2021 respectively.
"Winning this match was so difficult for us because the United States were at home," said middle blocker Zehra Gunes. "We held strong. We're very happy about it and about being in the final."
