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
- VNL M: China Sweeps on Heynen’s Birthday, Slovenia Shines in Rio
- POL W: Kamila Witkowska Suspended for Eight Months After Doping Violation
- GRE W: Alessandro Chiappini Officially Takes Over Panathinaikos
- CEV CL M: Finland and Romania Lead the Pack
- VNL W: Flawless Japan at the Top of VNL 2025 Standings After Week 1
