It has been about two months since the 2018/19 season of Plus Liga, the top league for Polish men's professional volleyball, began. This season, which is contested by a total of 14 teams, is approaching the halfway point with each team having already completed about 11 games. In order to win the league, they need to finish in the top six in the regular season and advance to the Final Six.
Japanese players are also doing well this season. In addition to libero Koga Taichiro, who continues to perform well from last season, Japan Men's Captain Yanagida Masahiro has transferred to a PURSLIGA team this season. I've been following PURSLIGA since the 2011/12 season and I've always wanted to see a Japanese player on this stage, so this situation is very moving. I hope to see more Japanese players at this rate.
As for the current rankings, as of December 14th, Zaksa Kędzierzynkośle, the champion from two years ago and runner-up last year, is the only undefeated team leading the way. They boast outstanding stability, with talented members from last season such as setter Benjamin Toniutti (France) and libero Paweł Zatorski (Wave*) working well with wing spiker Aleksandar Silivka (Wave) and opposite Łukasz Kaczmarek (Wave), who joined this season. Their well-balanced set distribution on offense means that anyone can score points without narrowing down the target, while their defense is also very solid.
However, the second place and below are in a close race, something we have rarely seen in recent years. The points are close, and considering the current strength, there is a good chance that teams around ninth place will make it to the final six. Among them, the two teams that are particularly strong this season are Oniko Warsaw and Czerrad Czarny Radom. On the other hand, last season's champion, Skra Bełchatov, is not performing as well as they should.
Looking at the teams with Japanese players, Taichiro Koga's Arlon Virtu Varta Zabierche has made great strides since last season by strengthening its staff and players, and is currently in 5th place overall with 7 wins and 4 losses. In contrast, Kupulm Rubin, with Masahiro Yanagida, is struggling, remaining in 12th place with 3 wins and 9 losses. If it continues like this, it is in danger of being relegated.
*Poland is written as 'Ha-ran' in kanji.
Photo: PLPS
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