Co-hosts Croatia and Serbia forced to five-set openers at U19 Worlds

The 19th edition of the FIVB Girls` U19 Volleyball World Championship commenced on Wednesday in co-host nations Croatia and Serbia. All 24 participating teams played their initial pool matches, with three of the twelve contests, notably involving both host countries, extending to dramatic five-set thrillers. Argentina and Puerto Rico also played a tie-breaker decided in five sets.

Pool A

Canada started their tournament run in Pool A at the Gradski Vrt Hall in Osijek with a 3-1 victory (25-23, 14-25, 25-21, 25-18) against a determined Egypt. Emerson Matthews led Canada with 13 points (8 spikes, 3 blocks, 2 aces). Egypt`s middle blocker Retaj Kammer matched the game high with 13 points (9 spikes, 1 block, 3 aces), as the North African team put up a strong resistance.

Supported by a large home crowd, co-host Croatia overcame a one-set deficit to defeat Germany in a five-set thriller (20-25, 25-23, 25-17, 22-25, 15-10) in their first Pool A match. Opposite Asja Zolota was a key player for Croatia, scoring a game-leading 22 points (18 spikes, 4 aces) to fuel their comeback. German captain Leana Grozer, an outside hitter, also had a strong performance with 13 points (9 spikes, 3 blocks, 1 ace), though she had to leave the game injured during the tie-breaker.

Mexico began their World Championship journey impressively by sweeping Thailand 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-20) on Wednesday, placing them at the top of Pool A. Naomi Alejandra Cruz Toledo, an outside hitter, was Mexico`s leading scorer with 14 points (11 spikes, 3 blocks). For Thailand, outside hitter Supawadee Panwilai was their top performer with 9 points, all from attacks.

Pool B

In Vrnjacka Banja, Argentina and Puerto Rico played out a dramatic, back-and-forth five-setter in Pool B, with Argentina eventually winning 3-2 (21-25, 25-11, 25-18, 17-25, 15-10). Paula Tomasa, Argentina`s opposite, scored a match-best 19 points (16 spikes, 2 blocks, 1 ace). Puerto Rico was led by outside hitter Cherisse Binex Atilano, who contributed 15 points (13 spikes, 1 block, 1 ace).

The second match in Pool B also went the distance, with Chinese Taipei narrowly defeating co-host Serbia 3-2 (25-19, 21-25, 28-26, 21-25, 15-13), disappointing the local fans in Vrnjacka Banja. Chen Pin-Yu, an outside hitter for Chinese Taipei, was the match`s top scorer with an impressive 26 points (21 spikes, 2 blocks, 3 aces). Serbia`s Anja Miovcic, also an outside hitter, led her team with 17 points (16 spikes, 1 ace).

Brazil dominated the Dominican Republic in the final Pool B match of the day in Vrnjacka Banja, winning comfortably 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-20), largely thanks to 16 blocks. Brazil`s opposite, Luize Da Silva Tavares, was outstanding, contributing six blocks and two aces for a total of 19 points. For the Dominican Republic, opposite Julie Millaray Arias Alejo was their highest scorer with 8 points (7 spikes, 1 block).

Pool C

In Osijek, Poland delivered a strong performance to defeat European champions Bulgaria 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20) in their Pool C opener. Poland`s attack was spearheaded by opposite Zofia Pinderska, who scored a match-leading 20 points (13 spikes, 3 blocks, 4 aces). Bulgaria`s notable performer was 15-year-old middle blocker Darina Naneva, who earned 13 points (8 spikes, 1 block, 4 aces).

Turkiye, silver medalists from the last tournament, began their campaign in Pool C with a decisive 3-0 sweep (25-14, 25-18, 25-15) against Peru, signalling their intent for this year. Middle blocker Begum Kacmaz was the main offensive force for Turkiye, scoring a game-high 15 points (5 spikes, 7 blocks, 3 aces). Outside hitter Camila Lorena Monge Combe was Peru`s best player with 13 points (12 spikes, 1 block).

In their opening Pool C match on Wednesday, defending champions USA dropped the first set but recovered to defeat a persistent Spain 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-23). Middle blocker Gabrielle Nichols and outside hitter Macaria Spears each contributed 14 points (Nichols: 9 spikes, 4 blocks, 1 ace; Spears: 13 spikes, 1 ace) to the USA`s victory. Spain`s captain and outside hitter, Ines Losada Gordaliza, was the match`s overall top scorer with 17 points (14 spikes, 3 blocks).

Pool D

Japan secured a quick 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-16, 25-14) against Belgium in the Pool D opening match at the Trstenik hall near Vrnjacka Banja. 16-year-old Japanese opposite Rion Chuganji was the leading scorer with 19 points (16 spikes, 1 block, 2 aces). Belgium`s top scorer was Mila Vlahovic with 9 points (6 spikes, 2 blocks, 1 ace).

In a contest between two continental champions, China defeated Tunisia 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 26-15). China`s captain and outside hitter, Huang Yuexin, led her team with 12 points, all from spikes. Tunisia`s 16-year-old outside hitter, Eya Toumi, was the match`s highest scorer with 13 points (12 spikes, 1 ace).

Italy began their World Championship bid strongly in Pool D with a dominant 3-0 win (25-9, 25-17, 25-11) over Chile. Italy`s outside hitter Ludovica Tosini led all scorers with 16 points, including three aces and two blocks. Chile`s 16-year-old captain and outside hitter, Aina Grimalt, was their top performer with 7 points, all from attacks.