Bulgaria defeated USA in a Volleyball Nations League 2024 match in Antalya on Saturday evening. Bulgaria’s four-set victory (25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21) boosted them up one spot to number 19 in the FIVB World Rankings, while the USA dropped to third, relinquishing their second-place position to Italy.
Bulgarian opposite Dimitar Dimitrov led his team with 22 points, including one ace and one kill block. Outside hitters Asparuh Asparuhov and Georgi Tatarov contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively, with Asparuhov delivering four aces. The USA were guided by opposite Jake Hanes, who scored a match-high 24 points, followed by Jordan Ewert with 13 points and Matthew Knigge with 11 points, including three aces.
Earlier in the day, Slovenia edged out Canada 3-2, led by Toncek Stern’s 23 points, maintaining an unbeaten streak with three wins. Canada’s Stephen Maar topped the match with 27 points.
In another match, France defeated Türkiye 3-1, with Jean Patry scoring a match-high 19 points, including four aces. The reigning Olympic champions finished the week with a 3-1 record and 9 points, leaving Türkiye winless in their VNL debut.
