The Montenegrin women’s volleyball team made a remarkable statement in the final match of the 5th round of the zonal qualifications for the European Championship, securing a decisive win.

They dominated the Greek team with a score of 3:0 (25:18, 25:14, 25:21), culminating their outstanding tournament performance in Sofia, marking one of the best displays from any Montenegrin women’s team to date.

Our youngest athletes showcased another impressive game, celebrating their third victory in the qualifiers.

The first set featured a competitive start, but Montenegro quickly surged ahead with leads of 11:3 and then 18:14. With the score at 21:18 in favor of Montenegro, a serving streak by Sofija Duletić helped the team tie up four points, concluding the set with an ace to take the lead at 1:0 (25:18).

In the second set, the Greeks initially offered a stronger performance, establishing leads at 4:1 and 6:2. However, Coach Koković’s timeout shifted the momentum, allowing Montenegro to turn the tables and take the lead at 8:7 before extending the gap to 12:7.

Continuing their momentum, the team increased their advantage to 15:8. Klara Đukić and her teammates maintained control, leading 20:14, and finished the set with a flurry of five consecutive points on Đukić’s serve, securing a 2:0 advantage in sets.

The third set brought the most excitement, remaining tied at 21:21 until the very end. However, the Montenegrin pioneers refused to let the match extend any further, clinching four consecutive points to achieve a flawless 3:0 victory (25:21).

Klara Đukić led Montenegro with 15 points, supported by Sofija Duletić and Elena Jovanović, each contributing 11 points. Sara Striković added nine points, while Jelena Glušac and Nađa Peković scored six and four points, respectively.

Our young athletes recorded three victories in the tournament — in addition to the win against Greece, they triumphed over the Serbian team 3:0 and Romania 3:1. They faced setbacks against the host nation Bulgaria in a five-set match and the tournament favorites Turkey, ending up 3:0. Consequently, the Montenegrin team finished the first round of qualifications in third place in the standings.

The quest for a spot in the U16 European Championship will proceed in the second round of qualifiers, set for April 24 to 27. Two national teams will advance to the final tournament, scheduled for July 11 to 13 in Tirana and Pristina — the top two teams from each of the five groups and the best third-place team.

GREECE – MONTENEGRO 0:3 (18:25, 14:25, 21:25)

Venue: “Hristo Botev” Sports Hall, Sofia.

Greece: Gerotodoru 1, Nikolojani 2, Lekaki 13, Grigoriadi (libero), Spanudaki Maimuka 6, Drempela (libero), Karaguti, Lamprusi 2, Haritu 2, Galu, Meru 1, Konjacioti 3, Kantiani 2, Zudeli 5. Coach: Hristos Triantaphyllopulos.

Montenegro: Rajović (libero), Moračanin (libero), Jovović, Krasnići, Duletić 11, Mrdak, Ćorović, Đukić 15, Peković 4, Podjanin, Striković 9, Glušac 6, Jovanović 11, Misevic. Coach: Petar Koković.

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