The Serbian women’s volleyball team has successfully started its world title defense. Coach Zoran Terzić’s squad defeated Ukraine with a convincing 3-0 victory (25:21, 25:19, 25:17) in their first match of Group H.
The two-time world champions showed why they hold that title. They played an excellent match to begin the tournament—they were stable on offense, confident in their serves and blocks, and did a great job covering the court.
From the start of the match, three players making their World Championship debut were on the court: Aleksandra Uzelac, Hena Kurtagić, and Vanja Ivanović.
The initial period was an even contest. Serbia played a diverse game, while Ukraine used the height of its outside hitters after receiving well. Still, it was clear that the quality was on the side of the two-time world champions. The girls in red jerseys defended the court superbly, scored points from the service line, and quickly built a significant lead. The Ukrainians didn’t give up, forcing Zoran Terzić to call a timeout at the end of the set (22:19), but there were no major problems.
Serbia took complete control and pulled ahead early in the second set. The world champions were more confident in every aspect of the game. The Ukrainians tried, but they also made more mistakes.
There were some longer rallies, but they generally went to the Serbian players. Tijana Bošković outsmarted the opposing blockers with tip shots, and Slađana Mirković surprised them with a similar move. Our players routinely doubled their lead in sets.
Then came a dream start to the third set—Aleksandra Uzelac served brilliantly, Hena Kurtagić raised a strong block, and the scoreboard read 9:1. Jakub Hlušak begged his players not to give up, to continue fighting—and they tried to resist. However, the net was closed to them; they couldn’t get through. Serbia convincingly secured a maximum-point victory.
What Do the Stats Say?
Tijana Bošković was the best player for Serbia with 19 points. Aleksandra Uzelac scored 15 points, including three aces. Hena Kurtagić had a total of 10 points, five of which came from blocks. Vanja Ivanović had nine points.
Serbia’s next match will be on Monday at 3:30 PM against Cameroon, which lost to Japan in the first round.
Source: Sportal; Photo: FIVB