The Bulgarian national U18 girls' team made a more than successful start to the Balkan Championship in Tirana. Atanas Petrov's trainees left no chance for Serbia and celebrated a clean 3:0 (25:19, 25:20, 25:17) victory in their first match of the tournament.
Right from the initial rallies, the Bulgarian players showed they were ready to dictate events on the court. The stable serve maximally hindered the opponent's reception, and effective attacking allowed the "lionesses" to maintain a lead throughout the entire first set. The logical progression led to a 25:19 victory and a lead in the score.
The second set presented more difficulties for the Bulgarian team. The Serbians improved their attacking game and took advantage of several inaccuracies in Bulgaria's ranks to build a four-point lead at 16:12. It was then, however, that the young national team players showed character. Strong blocking and successful counterattacks turned the tide of the set, and after a series of won points, Bulgaria took an 18:17 lead.
After a timeout requested by the Serbian staff, the initiative remained in Bulgarian hands. Our volleyball players continued to act confidently in all elements and gradually increased their lead to close out the second set at 25:20.
With a two-set lead, the Bulgarian team played even more calmly in the third set. The national team players asserted their superiority both at the net and in attack, and the difference gradually grew. Until the end of the match, Serbia found no way to counter Bulgaria's superior play, and after 25:17, the match concluded with a decisive 3:0.
Thus, the Bulgarian girls recorded their first success in the competition and made a serious statement for a strong performance in Tirana. Atanas Petrov's team's next challenge is against Turkey, with the match scheduled for tomorrow at 17:30.

photo: bvf.bg