The Bulgarian women's national volleyball team suffered a dramatic loss to France with2:3in their second match of the International Tournament for the Koszalin President's Cup, despite leading by2:0sets. Thus, France postponed Antonina Zetova's first victory at the helm of the "tricolors." The "lionesses" opponents managed to turn the score around, led by their undisputed leader Iman Ndiaye.

A confident step for the Bulgarians in the first set

The Bulgarian volleyball players started the match with a strong performance, focusing on successful blocks, which gave them a quick 5:0 lead. The French struggled in attack and made service errors. Although France managed to tie the score at 15:15 after a successful attack by Iman Ndiaye, the game continued point by point. Ultimately, Bulgaria won the first set 27:25 after an ace from service.

Even play, but not enough for the second part

In the second set, the Bulgarians again took a 2:0 lead after a successful serve by Hristina Vuchkova. However, the French kept a close distance, and after a successful block, Amanda Silves made it 6:5. The set was even, with both teams frequently using their serves. In the middle of the set, Bulgaria led 16:14, and later improved their blocking game. Although France managed to reduce the deficit to a point after an ace by Ndiaye, Bulgaria managed to close the set 25:22.

Distracted and without a libero in the third set

The third part started with an advantage for France, who led 4:2. Their lead quickly grew to 11:5, and the Bulgarians had problems in attack. An ace by Ndiaye further increased the difference. Despite the efforts of the Bulgarians in defense, the French won the counter-attacks. A mistake by Alexandra Milanova and the injury of Bulgaria's libero, who cut herself deeply on the advertising boards while trying to save a ball in defense, further worsened the situation. France won the set with a ten-point lead – 25:15.

Contested battle in the fourth set

The fourth set started evenly, with a good serve from Frangedou Fatoumata giving France a 4:2 lead. Bulgaria quickly managed to equalize, and the game continued point for point until 10:10. France again had problems in attack, which allowed Bulgaria to lead 14:11. Although the Bulgarians controlled this lead for a long time, France woke up towards the end of the set. An ace by Ndiaye made the score 21:20, but the Bulgarians were the first to have a match point. Ultimately, France managed to win the set 26:24, equalizing the score in the match.

France triumphs in the decisive tie-break

The decisive fifth set started evenly until4:4, after which the French team scored five consecutive points. The double substitution of Kitipova and Stoyanova failed to change the course of the game. Two good performances by Stanchulova from attack and serve managed to bring Bulgaria within three points (6:9), but two more errors from the Bulgarian side followed, giving the opponent a breather for6:11. By the end of the match, the Bulgarians managed to score only three points, and the match ended with an error by Marilyn Nikolova, who sent her serve out.

This loss, despite a good start, highlights the need to maintain consistent concentration and avoid mistakes at key moments.

Best players:

• Iman Ndiaye (France)— team leader, distinguished by strong attack and stable serve.

• Maeva Schalk (France) - key blocks and attacks in difficult moments.

• Hristina Vuchkova and Mikaela Stoyanova (Bulgaria) - strong moments on block and in attack.

Final result:

Bulgaria - France 2:3 (27:25, 25:22, 15:25, 24:26, 9:15)