The 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix delivered one of its most gripping encounters of the summer on August 2, as Serbia Women outlasted USA Women in a five-set classic, winning 3-2. It was a statement victory for a Serbian side blending youthful firepower with veteran composure, and a bitter pill for an American team known for its depth and relentless pace.

Match Overview

Serbia came out swinging, using their towering frontline to dictate the tempo in the opening exchanges. Behind the ferocious hitting of Tijana Bošković and the steady guidance of their middles, Serbia carved out a narrow but significant lead. The USA responded with their trademark transition game, speeding up the offense through the middle and stretching Serbia’s block with quick combinations.

What followed was a see-saw contest filled with extended rallies and momentum shifts. Serbia’s serving pressure created cracks in the American reception, but USA fought back behind strong wing play and late-set surges. With the match hanging in the balance, Serbia held their nerve in the deciding set, closing out the contest with sharp terminal hitting and crucial defensive plays at the net.

Key Performers

• Tijana Bošković: The young opposite was Serbia’s primary scoring outlet, punishing the USA block from both pins and delivering in the clutch.
• Foluke Akinradewo: The American middle was a constant threat in transition, scoring efficiently and providing a strong presence at the net.
• Brankica Mihajlović: Her gritty passing and aggressive swings helped Serbia weather the USA’s service push and maintain balance in critical phases.

What It Meant

For Serbia, a win over one of the tournament’s heavyweight teams reinforced their credentials as genuine contenders in the World Grand Prix. The result also tightened the race at the top of the standings, proving that Serbia could match the USA’s athleticism while adding their own edge in physicality and nerve.

The Americans, meanwhile, would have been disappointed to let a five-set battle slip away, but the match showed the level of depth that made them a feared side on the international stage. It was the kind of high-intensity duel that defines the World Grand Prix – two elite teams trading blows until the very last point.