The women’s volleyball national team of Serbia started this year’s campaign in the Nations League in a great way.
The chosen players of Zoran Terzić justified the role of favorites in Nanjing, China, and defeated the uncomfortable selection of Thailand with a maximum score of 3:0 (26:24, 25:22, 25:19).
This triumph gains weight when taking into account that Serbia arrived in China with a rejuvenated roster, without its two main weapons and biggest stars – Maja Ognjenović and Tijana Bošković. The burden of leadership was successfully carried by Aleksandra Uzelac, who pulled the team in the crucial moments of the match.
Although the final score suggests a routine victory, a great struggle was seen on the court, especially in the first two periods of play. The Serbian team showed certain oscillations, allowing the Thai women to bring drama into the finishes of the sets.
Nevertheless, in the moments when the score was being decided, the character of our girls kicked in:
In the first two sets, Serbia fell into trouble and wasted the lead, but managed to find solutions for the key points when it mattered most.
Zoran Terzić managed to calm the team down with timely advice, constantly insisting on patience and maximum concentration, which ultimately decided the match.
The third set finally brought the play that the coaching staff desires. As the match progressed, the rejuvenated roster of Serbia gained more and more confidence. Our volleyball players imposed their rhythm, completely neutralized Thailand’s attacks, and brought the match to an end without any friction.
The first step on a long and grueling national team path this summer was successfully made. Although it is evident that the form is not yet at its peak and that there is serious room for improvement, the victory at the start is an excellent wind at the back for the team.
There is no time for celebration, as the Serbian volleyball players expect a significantly harder test already on Friday from 1:30 PM and a duel against the national team of Poland.
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Source: Nova.rs; Photo: ATA Images