Women's volleyball: Poland reach European championship semifinals

The Polish women's national volleyball team has reached the European championship semifinals for the first time in seven years after beating the Netherlands 3-1 in the quarterfinals in Istanbul.

Poland players in action at the 2026 Women's European Volleyball Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

Photo: Beyza Comert/Anadolu/ABACAPRESS.COM via PAP

Magdalena Stysiak and Julita Piasecka led Poland with 14 points each, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

Poland last reached the medal zone in 2019, when they finished fourth in Ankara.

The team has been waiting for a European championship medal since winning bronze in 2009 on home soil in Łódź.

Poland will face defending world and Olympic champions Italy in Saturday's semifinal.

The Polish team is coached by Italian Stefano Lavarini.

Poland coach Stefano Lavarini. Photo: PAP/Marian Zubrzycki

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Source: IAR/PAP