Osijek, Croatia — In a moment of national pride and athletic brilliance, Bulgaria’s Under-19 women’s volleyball team was crowned world champions after defeating the United States 3-1 in the final of the FIVB U19 World Championship held in Osijek, Croatia.
The Bulgarian squad, coached by Atanas Petrov, overcame an initial setback to dominate the remainder of the match with set scores of 21:25, 25:16, 25:17, and 29:27. The victory marks an incredible milestone for the team, which had already earned continental glory by winning the European Championship a year ago.
Petrov’s side showcased exceptional resilience and tactical maturity, especially in the second and third sets, where they overpowered the American team with aggressive attacks and strong defense. The fourth set proved to be a thrilling finale, with the Bulgarians digging deep to clinch a dramatic 29:27 win and secure their historic title.
Leading the Bulgarian offensive charge were Darina Naneva and Alexandra Kitipova, each scoring 14 points. They were closely followed by Edna Todorova and Kalina Veneva, who contributed 10 points apiece. On the American side, Sulayne Davis delivered a strong performance with 17 points, while Massaria Spears added 12.
“This is a dream come true,” said head coach Atanas Petrov after the final. “Our girls have worked with unwavering dedication, and today they showed the world what Bulgaria is capable of in volleyball.”
The roster of Bulgaria’s world champion team includes Dimana Ivanova, Alexandra Kitipova, Kalina Veneva, Vyara Parapunova, Denitsa Angelova, Darina Naneva, with Victoria Ninova as the libero, and contributions from Edna Todorova. Their journey through the tournament has been marked by discipline, teamwork, and an unyielding competitive spirit.
This victory is particularly meaningful given the team’s back-to-back success on the international stage, having been crowned European champions in 2023. The blend of rising talent and experienced coaching has created a foundation for what could be a golden generation in Bulgarian volleyball.
As celebrations continue back home, this championship serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the country and a reminder of the strength of Bulgaria’s volleyball tradition. The team’s win also reinforces Bulgaria’s growing reputation on the world stage in women’s sports.
With eyes now turning to the future, expectations are high for this talented squad as they continue to develop and represent Bulgaria at the highest levels.
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