Belgium Women vs Serbia Women: Serbia Rallies to Win Five-Set Marathon

On June 24, 2015, Belgium Women and Serbia Women met in the European Games Women volleyball round-robin in Baku. Serbia won 3-2 after recovering from a 2-1 deficit, showing the kind of resilience that would eventually carry them to a bronze medal. Belgium produced a brave performance and pushed Serbia to the limit, but the Serbian block and experience proved decisive in the closing stages.

The match was a classic five-setter: Belgium started brightly, Serbia responded, Belgium moved ahead again, and then Serbia dominated the final two sets to complete the comeback. The result gave Serbia an important boost in the standings and left Belgium with a narrow, frustrating defeat.

Match Overview

Serbia won 3-2 with set scores of 23-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-20, 15-11. Belgium took the first and third sets, but Serbia’s ability to raise their level in the fourth and fifth sets made the difference. Serbia’s serving became more aggressive, and their blocking shut down Belgium’s outside attack when it mattered most.

The win was a testament to Serbia’s depth and mental strength. Belgium, meanwhile, showed why they were a competitive team in the tournament, with Lise Van Hecke and Charlotte Leys leading the offence.

Key Moments

• First set: Belgium’s aggressive serving and Van Hecke’s attacking earned them a tight 25-23 win.
• Second set: Serbia improved their reception and levelled the match with a 25-22 set.
• Third set: Belgium produced their best volleyball of the night, winning 25-18 behind strong blocking and transition play.
• Fourth set: Serbia’s defence tightened, and they forced a decider with a 25-20 win.
• Fifth set: Serbia took an early lead and held off Belgium’s late surge, winning 15-11.

Tactical Story

Serbia’s comeback was built on two tactical adjustments. First, their serve became more targeted, putting pressure on Belgium’s setter and limiting the quality of their first-tempo attacks. Second, their block focused on Belgium’s left-side hitters, forcing them to hit into a well-organised defence.

Belgium’s best moments came when they played fast in the middle and used their back-row attack. Freya Aelbrecht was effective with quick hits, and Charlotte Leys provided stability in reception. However, Belgium’s error count rose in the fourth and fifth sets, and Serbia capitalised on the free points.

Standout Players

Lise Van Hecke was Belgium’s top scorer, carrying the attack with power and consistency. Charlotte Leys contributed in all phases, while Freya Aelbrecht made several important blocks. Belgium’s setter also kept the offence varied for long stretches.

For Serbia, Jovana Brakočević was the go-to scorer in the decisive sets. Maja Ognjenovic delivered a masterful setting performance, and Milena Rasic controlled the net with blocks and quick attacks. Ana Bjelica added important points from the right side, giving Serbia multiple attacking options.

European Games Women Standings Impact

The five-set win gave Serbia two valuable points in the European Games Women standings and kept them in the race for a semifinal place. Belgium earned one point for taking the match to five sets, but the missed opportunity would prove costly in a competitive group. Serbia’s ability to win five-set matches became a theme of their campaign, and this comeback against Belgium was one of the early signs of their medal-winning character.