The Bulgarian women's U20 national team won a set against Russia, but suffered a second loss in the qualifiers for the 2027 European Championship in Mostar.
The team led by Denislav Dimitrov lost 1:3 (21:25, 25:18, 22:25, 14:25), after managing to equalize the score with a convincing performance in the second set.
The result of the match against Russia will not matter for the final standings in the group. Bulgaria has already recorded a defeat against Turkey, and tomorrow they face Serbia.
Russia had an advantage in the total number of points scored – 93:82. Both teams finished with 10 blocks each, but the Russians were more effective in attack – 39% against 34% for Bulgaria. This also translated into 56 points from attack for Russia against 45 for our team.
In reception, the opponent also had a slight advantage – 56% positive reception against 51% for Bulgaria. Russia recorded 5 aces against 4 for the Bulgarians. Our team made 7 service errors, while the Russians made 10. Bulgaria received 23 points from opponent errors, and Russia – 22.
The main statistical difference between the two teams came in attack. Russia scored 11 more points from attack, while in blocking, Bulgaria was completely equal to the opponent.
The most effective player for Bulgaria was Bozhidara Ivanova with 18 points. The nominal middle blocker was used this time in the opposite hitter position and became the main scorer for the Bulgarian team.
Nikol Okoro and Katerina Popova added 13 points each for Bulgaria. Thus, three Bulgarian volleyball players finished the match with a double-digit point total.
For Russia, Marina Kuzmina was the most effective with 19 points. Maria Makroguzova scored 17, Veronika Dashkina added 15, and Anna Koriagina finished with 10 points.

photo:cev.eu