In Friday’s only Pool B match on FIVB Volleyball U20 Women’s World Championship opening day, Serbia proved far too strong for co-hosts Belgium in Kortrijk to master a convincing straight-set victory.
Women u20 2021
Serbia far too strong for Belgium
Balkan side storms into Pool B at U20 World Champs with emphatic win over hosts in Kortrijk
Published 06:06, 09 Jul 2021
Belgium stormed into their first match as co-hosts of the U20 World Championship with a 4-0 run, but Serbia quickly recovered to gain total control over the rest of the game. Outplaying their opponents on all counts, the Serbs were particularly superior from the serving line, delivering 12 aces, against five on the Belgian side. The spiking also made a huge difference, accounting for 33 of Serbia’s points, against only 16 for the home team.
Middle blocker Hena Kurtagic was the only player to reach the double digits. She produced 10 points, including three of Serbia’s direct serving aces. Substitute setter Andrea Tisma scored “only” one ace, but it was the one that closed the game in favour of the Balkan team.
“It was really a team performance. Once our serving took off we were unstoppable. I hope we can play on the same level (against the Dominican Republic) tomorrow,” said Serbia’s starting setter Nina Mandovic.
