The Ukrainian women's national team secured its place in the Volleyball Nations League for 2027 as well, after definitively defeating Belgium 3:0 (25:23, 25:20, 25:13) in their decisive final match of the preliminary phase. With this success, the Ukrainians definitively ended Bulgaria's hopes of retaining its place in the elite, regardless of the outcome of the match against Germany later today.
Belgium started the first set better and took a 7:3 lead, capitalizing on errors in the opponent's attack. However, Ukraine quickly restored equality at 8:8 after an ace by Valeriia Nudga and good blocking. Until the end, both teams went point for point, but at 19:19, the Ukrainians made a decisive breakthrough. Diana Meliushkyna and Oleksandra Milenko led the team to a three-point advantage, and a service error by Belgium sealed the final 25:23.
The second set also started with an advantage for the Belgians, who led 3:0. Ukraine quickly caught up, and for a long time, the game remained completely even. At 14:14, Uliana Kotar's block and successful attacks by Milenko and Meliushkyna brought a three-point lead. In the final rallies, the Ukrainians maintained concentration and closed the set with 25:20.
The third set was completely dominated by Jakub Hlushak's team. Ukraine took a 6:2 lead, and a series of strong serves by Kotar and Daria Sharhorodska increased the difference to 12:5. Until the end, the "blue-yellows" gave Belgium no chances, reaching a convincing 25:13 with excellent play in blocking and attack.
Pauline Martin of Belgium was the top scorer in the match with 20 points. For Ukraine, Valeriia Nudga, Diana Meliushkyna, and Oleksandra Milenko each scored 10 points.
In addition to securing their place among the best for the next season in their debut participation in the Volleyball Nations League, Ukraine also made an impressive leap in the world rankings. After the victory over Belgium, the Ukrainians gained 11.75 points, climbed four positions, and now occupy 18th place in the world.

photo:volleyballworld.com