Team Dentil/Praia, with Maria Koleva, lost the bronze medal match at the 2025 FIVB Women's Club World Championship in São Paulo. In the third-place encounter, the host Osasco/São Cristóvão Saúde decisively won 3-0 (25:20, 28:26, 25:19) at the "Ginásio do Pacaembu" hall.

The Bulgarian player finished the match with 6 points from attack, but this was not enough to help Praia secure its first medal in the tournament's history.

Osasco started more focused and controlled the first set, closing it at 25:20. The second set was the most contested, where Praia had its chances, but the hosts showed stronger mental resilience in key moments and prevailed with 28:26. In the third set, Osasco once again dictated its rhythm and, without serious hesitation, reached 25:19 and a clean victory.

With this success, the Osasco project now has six medals from the Club World Championship – one gold, two silver, and three bronze, including the first accolades won during their visits to Guarujá. For Praia, this was a missed opportunity for a first medal from the most prestigious club tournament in the world.

From a national perspective, Brazil returned to the podium after a break since 2018. The country's total tally is now 14 medals from the Club World Championship – three gold, seven silver, and four bronze, which reinforces its leading role in women's club volleyball.

For Maria Koleva and Praia, the tournament concludes with disappointment, but also with valuable experience at the highest global level.

photo:volleyballworld.com