The Bulgarian women's national team recorded its third consecutive loss in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026, after losing to hosts Serbia with a score of 0:3 (16:25, 19:25, 25:27) in the first match of the third week of the tournament in Belgrade.
Despite reports prior to the tournament, one of the biggest stars of Serbian volleyball, Tijana Bošković, was not included in the hosts' squad. The legend Maja Ognjenović made a brief appearance in the game. The match was also watched by the former captain of our national team, Elitsa Vasileva-Atanasijević, as well as by brothers Alex and Simeon Nikolov.
The first two sets were under Serbia's control. The Bulgarians reduced the deficit on several occasions, but the hosts dictated the pace and deservedly won with 25:16 and 25:19.
The real battle came in the third set. Bulgaria took a 13:11 lead, then overcame a 16:20 deficit and tied at 22:22. Both teams reached 25:25, but a service error by Mikaela Stoyanova and an attack out by Darina Naneva brought Serbia the 27:25 win and the final 3:0.
Team statistics show that Serbia dominated primarily in attack, scoring 51 points against 35 for Bulgaria. However, the Bulgarians had an advantage in blocks (5:4), serves (3:2), and reception (70% vs 53%), but failed to convert this advantage into more points in attack. The hosts also recorded more digs in defense (56:45), which helped them win longer rallies. The most effective player for Serbia was Zubić with 16 points, followed by Tica with 13, while for Bulgaria, Stoyanova scored the most with 13 and Naneva with 9 points.
The defeat cost Bulgaria one spot in the world rankings, with the national team now occupying the 27th position. In the Volleyball Nations League standings, the Bulgarians maintain their 16th place.
On Thursday, Bulgaria rests, and on Friday, they will face Czechia in their second match of the third week of the tournament in Belgrade.

photo:volleyballworld.com