The Call-Up: Terzić Assembles the Arsenal

The drums are beating, the kits are packed, and the Serbian women's national volleyball team is on the move. This week, the squad departs for Nanjing, China, kicking off their campaign in the first week of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The Serbian Volleyball Federation confirmed the departure, setting the stage for a grueling two-week stint across Asia before the squad shifts focus to the Philippines.

Head coach Zoran Terzić has made his selections, naming a formidable 16-woman roster ready to battle for supremacy. The lineup blends veteran savvy with explosive talent. In the back row, technical specialists Slađana Mirković, Marija Miljević, and Rada Perović anchor the defense. Opposites Vanja Bukilić and Anja Zubić bring the firepower, while liberos Bojana Gočanin and Stefana Pakić guard the floor. The net is fortified by blockers Maja Aleksić, Hena Kurtagić, Minja Osmajić, and Maša Kirov. Receiving duties fall to Aleksandra Uzelac, Vanja Ivanović, Branka Tica, Nina Čajić, and Nađa Antonović. The coaching staff, led by Terzić alongside assistants Branko Kovačević, Stevan Ljubičić, Jelena Blagojević, and Igor Žakić, is fully mobilized.

Nanjing Showdown: Four Matches, One Goal

The first test awaits in Nanjing. The Serbian girls hit the court against Thailand on Wednesday, June 3, at 9:00 AM. If they survive that, Poland comes knocking on Friday, June 5, at 1:30 PM. Saturday, June 6, brings a heavyweight clash against host nation China at 1:30 PM. The week caps with a bout against Belgium on Sunday, June 7, at 9:00 AM. Every point matters. Every set is a statement.

The Road to Macau

After China, the team flies to Pasig City in the Philippines for the second week. There, they face Japan (June 17), Italy (June 18), the Dominican Republic (June 19), and the USA (June 21). The journey continues back home to the Belgrade Arena for the third week, hosting Bulgaria, France, Germany, and the Netherlands in early July. Serbia will not play Brazil, Turkey, Czech Republic, Ukraine, or Canada in this intercontinental phase. Ultimately, only eight teams will reach the Final Four in Macau from July 22-26. The quest for glory has begun.