Terzic, Serbian coach
Serbia forced their way back into the match twice, and won the fourth set to force a tie-break, but the USA held on for a satisfying if not perfect 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 25-17, 23-25, 15-12) win.
“I am not sure either team played the way they wanted to,” said USA coach Kiraly. “It wasn’t the cleanest, best volleyball. We were making mistakes, Serbia too, and sometimes you need to figure out the way to win, and today my team did it right on time.”
USA captain Kristin Lynn Hildebrand was also pleased with the team’s fighting qualities.
“This was a really difficult match. Serbia is a great team, they are good attackers, great blockers. I am very proud of my team, and how we pushed through the hard moments.”
Serbia coach Zoran Terzic thought his players played below the level required at times and wants the team to improve.
“Unfortunately, we were lacking courage from the very start of the match, and that’s what I regret the most. We were making so many service errors, especially in the fifth set. I think the amateur teams would have done better in that segment.”
“The USA play very quick volleyball, they are one of the best teams in the world and their victory is well deserved. As for us, we must do much better if we want to win big matches.“
Coach Terzic also revealed that Jelena Nikolic will miss the rest of the season because of a meniscus injury.
Serbia captain Maja Ognjenovic agreed that the home side’s serving hadn’t been up to standard as their run of wins ended.
“I am sad because we could not win the fifth set and continue our winning streak. We served poorly in this match and that was supposed to be our main weapon.”
“Life goes on. We have to focus on the upcoming matches, and try to win the trip to Sapporo [for the finals].”
For more information about this competition, read World Grand Prix 2013.
