Serbia brushed aside all their opponents, completing pool-play with a straight set victory over host Mexico at the 2021 FIVB Girls’ U18 World Championship on Friday at Fenadu venue in Durango.

In Sunday’s Round of 16, top finisher in Pool A is scheduled to play Peru, while Poland, who finished second, goes against Dominican Republic. Host Mexico meet Turkey and Canada will meet Italy.

Serbia vs Mexico 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-18)

The Europeans dominated the first set, but came from a four-point deficit (11-15) to steal the second set to Mexico who led up to point 22. Actions remained really close in the third set up to point 15 when Serbia moved forward with same dominant presence as the beginning.

Serbia’s attacks were crucial ending with an overwhelming 47 advantage against 27. They also led by a slim 6-5 margin in blocks and a comfortable 8-2 in aces. Serbia handed out twenty-one points from errors.

Outside hitter Ksenija Tomic of Serbia led all scorers with 18 points from 14 kills, one block and three aces and middle blocker Hena Kurtagic produced 11 points and outside hitter Una Vajagic tallied 10 points.

Once again, outside hitter Aime Margarita Topete was Mexico’s best scorer with 11 points and opposite hitter Leah Palmira Linares added nine points all on kills.

Jovo Caković, Head coach of Serbia said “this was an interesting match; coming from behind in the second set means that we need to play better and have an overall improvement if we want a good result here in Durango. The next stage is an elimination round and we can’t lose our concentration. The crowd was amazing, Mexico performed well and I congratulate my team for the victory”.

Poland vs Canada 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-13)

Poland had no serious complications in earning their third tournament victory outplaying Canada with a huge 41-20 advantage in attacks. The Europeans held an eight-six margin in blocking and seven-three in the service area. Both teams committed twenty unforced errors.

Poland’s top scorers were outside hitter Karolina Staniszewska with 11 points, joined by middle blockers Natalia Kecher and Magda Stambrowska with 10 and 9 points accordingly.

“Today this match was less demanding than our previous performances against Mexico and Serbia. Thinking ahead of the next round, the setters played more with the middle blockers, the team was really focused and trying to improve in every element of the game” indicated Magda Stambrowska, middle blocker and captain of Poland.

Quick links:
2021 FIVB Volleyball Girls' U18 World Championship
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