MATSUMOTO, Japan, August 23, 2015 – Serbia upset reigning world champions United States in a five-set thriller Sunday evening for their first victory at the 2015 FIVB Women’s World Cup.
Recovering soon enough from Saturday’s 3-1 loss to China, the Serbian women outlasted the Americans 25-20, 22-25, 18-25, 25-19 and 15-6. Tijana Boskovic had 16 kills, three blocks and four aces to lead Serbia with 23 points with Brankica Mihajlovic adding 21. Foluke Akinradewo led the USA team with 12 points and Karsta Lowe, Kelsey Robinson and Christa Harmotto Dietzen added 11 apiece.
Having lost to the United States in five sets in their most recent encounter in the 2015 World Grand Prix preliminary rounds, Serbia took a sweet revenge thanks to a 22-10 blocking advantage and improved their head-to-head record against the United States at the World Cup to 2-1.
After slipping to a 1-1 win-loss record, the United States will take on China Monday evening in a rematch of last year’s World Championship final while Serbia will seek their second win at the 12-team tournament against Peru.