With star opposite Paola Egonu sidelined, few expected Italy to shine. But 22-year-old Ekaterina Antropova had other plans.
Thrown into the spotlight, Antropova exploded for 31 points—leading Italy to a gritty 3-2 win over Germany at the Volleyball Nations League. Her powerful performance not only filled Egonu’s shoes but made a statement of her own.
“It wasn’t easy, but we believed,” Antropova said.
Elsewhere, Brazil stayed flawless, sweeping the U.S. behind Ana Cristina Souza’s 20 points. In Ottawa, Bulgaria regrouped after a rough start to edge out the Dominican Republic, mixing veteran savvy with young energy.
Standings provided by Sofascore
- POL W: Radomka Radom Starts Tauron League with a 3–0 Victory Over Pałac Bydgoszcz
- JPN W: SV.League 2025/26 Begins
- USA Wins Third Straight NORCECA Men’s Final Six Title
- GER M: BR Volleys Win Fourth Straight Ligacup Title to Start 2025/26 Season
- GER W: Münster Shocks Schwerin as Bundesliga Season Opens with Drama
