The Poland women's national volleyball team defeated Hungary 3-0 in their opening match of the European Championship, securing three points with a decisive victory.
The Polish team dominated the first set 25-12 before overcoming tougher resistance in the following two sets, winning 26-24 and 25-20 to complete the sweep.
Poland, nicknamed the White and Reds, entered the continental tournament organized by the European Volleyball Confederation seeking a strong start in group play.
Stysiak Praises Hungarian Resistance
Following the match, Polish hitter Magdalena Stysiak congratulated the Hungarian team in an interview with broadcaster Polsat Sport, stating that Hungary proved a major surprise and played far better than their initial set score suggested.
Stysiak acknowledged that Poland suffered a temporary slump during the second set and admitted the team could have played significantly better to avoid getting trapped in the opening rotation.
She expressed relief that the squad regained focus in time to seal the victory without dropping a set, noting that Hungary plays quality volleyball under a capable head coach and commanded full respect from Poland throughout the contest.
Preparation for Turkey Test
Looking ahead in the tournament, Stysiak addressed the younger members of the Polish squad who are making their debuts at a major international championship.
She noted that debuting players face substantial pressure, which she expected to peak during their upcoming match against Turkey when competing in front of a noisy Turkish crowd.
Stysiak described the fixture as a valuable test for the squad, praising the hard work and youthful energy within the team while promising that every player would contribute maximum effort regardless of their experience level.
Lampkowska Reflects on Return
Polish player Monika Lampkowska also reflected on the opening win, expressing satisfaction at returning to action and helping her country secure maximum points.
Lampkowska described the dominant opening set as a warm-up phase, noting that first matches at major tournaments inherently carry stress that players manage in different ways.
She highlighted the importance of securing a full three-point victory in tight late-set scenarios, referencing past nerve-wracking endings and emphasizing that the team must draw lessons to avoid unnecessary drama in future matches.
Exchange with Panathinaikos Coach
The match also featured a personal connection between Lampkowska and Hungary head coach Alessandro Chiappini. Lampkowska is joining Greek club Panathinaikos for the 2025-26 season, where Italian coach Chiappini has been in charge since 2025.
Lampkowska revealed that she spoke with Chiappini at their shared team hotel before the match and reconnected briefly after the final point.
She admitted to teasing Chiappini by asking how he had failed to prepare his defense for her repeated attacks over the block. While Lampkowska laughed during the exchange, she noted that Chiappini was not in a good mood, which promptly ended the conversation.
Despite the post-match disappointment for the Hungarian coach, the two posed together for a commemorative photograph for Panathinaikos and exchanged mutual well-wishes for the remainder of the tournament.
