Australia have suffered a 3-1 loss to Serbia, leaving them still grasping for a second win to move forward at the volleyball world championships in Wroclaw.
After a first match win over Cameroon, the Volleyroos were trampled 3-0 by hosts Poland and now need to beat either Argentina and Venezuela this weekend to progress to the next round.
Coach Jon Uriate said Thursday's defeat to Serbia was disappointing.
"The feeling is the team evolved from the last match, but we are still one step behind where we want to be," he said.
"It's really positive that in just three matches the team is showing evolution, but we are demanding that we want to do better in the next match."
The Volleyroos commanded the match in its opening stages to lead 21-18 as captain Aidan Zingel and Tom Edgar blocked a number of attacks at the net.
However, several unforced errors allowed Serbia to level at 22-all, then close out the set 25-23.
Australia took the opening two points of the second, but quickly found themselves in trouble and at 11-17 Edgar was replaced with Paul Carroll for his first court time of the tournament.
The move appeared to work, as the Australians rallied to lead 21-23 before Serbia steadied to take the second 22-25.
After going point-for-point early in the third set, the Volleyroos took a small lead, before an Adam White ace stretched the margin to 14-9 and they eventually took the set 25-22.
Edgar was sent back into the game in the fourth set as Australia fell behind 11-17, but Serbia were playing with renewed confidence and closed out the set 25-17.
Zingel said the opening set had been crucial, and it could have determined the team's rhythm.
"We fell back into our old habits of playing well, starting the game very strong, and then falling at the finish line," he said.
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