North Macedonia U20 women lose to Romania in Mostar

North Macedonia's U20 women's volleyball team fell 0-3 (17-25, 20-25, 16-25) to Romania on 19 August 2026 in the opening game of Group A at the BVA zonal qualifiers for the EuroVolley 2027, held in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Early parity, then Romania pulled away

The match started evenly as North Macedonia stayed level with Romania up to 9-9, but a 0-5 run pushed the visitors ahead to 9-14. Technical mistakes and reception problems contributed to Romania opening a 13-20 lead and closing out the first set 25-17.

In set two North Macedonia began trailing 4-7 but fought back strongly in the middle phase, drawing level at 13-13 and even taking a 18-17 lead. Romania responded with aggressive serves and converted the advantage into a 25-20 set win to move 2-0 up in the match.

Romania dictated play in the third set despite resistance from the Macedonian side, who kept it close at moments (10-13, 14-16) before Romania sealed the set 25-16 and the match 3-0.

North Macedonia is scheduled to meet Belarus in the second round on 20 August 2026 at 14:30 local time in Mostar.

The team will look to tighten reception and reduce unforced errors ahead of the next fixture as it chases points in Group A.

Photo: press material from the event