Russia seeking to end EuroVolley medal drought

Russia is eyeing a return to the podium when the CEV EuroVolley Women kicks off on August 18, after finishing 6th and 7th respectively in the past two editions of the continental event.

Cementing its status as one of the most successful nations in history, Russia completed a successful title-defence in 2015 for its nineteenth trophy (thirteen as Soviet Union) and second back-to-back championships since 1993, joining an elite company as the only countries to win two-straight EuroVolley titles, along with Poland, Italy, and Serbia.

Since then, the gold medal has been elusive for the Russians not just at the EuroVolley but also in major international tournaments, with the bronze medal finish at the FIVB World Cup 2019 being its highest placement in the last six years.

Despite missing the service of former two-time EuroVolley MVP Tatiana Kosheleva - who decided to retire from the national team last June - and the potential loss of scoring machine Kseniia Parubets - who is currently recovering from a knee injury - Russia will still be parading a solid line up on its quest for another podium-finish.

With veteran opposite Nataliya Goncharova and star setter Evgeniya Startseva at the helm, Russia is considered as one of the teams to beat in Pool A alongside defending champion and host nation, Serbia. After leading Russia to an emphatic sweep of Pool E at the 2019 Tokyo Olympics Intercontinental Qualifier, the 32-year old Dinamo Moscow star topped the scoring race at the 2019 FIVB Women’s World Cup, tallying 209 points in total. In this year’s CEV EuroVolley Women, Goncharova will once again carry the scoring load for the Sergio Busto-mentored squad.

Expected to provide a steady presence is the defensive duo of Irina Koroleva and Irina Fetesova, who both cracked the top-15 list of best blockers at the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. The 29-year old Koroleva won her first best blocker award in the international stage at the 2019 FIVB Women’s World Cup, and she will have to keep her extraordinary play to steer Russia back to its glory days in the continental championship. Meanwhile, outside hitter Irina Voronkova has been an absolute spark plug for the Russians, making significant contributions both on offense and defense, and she remains an important piece in the roster.

But all eyes will be on rising volleyball star and Russia’s new kid on the block, Arina Fedorovtseva. At 17, the 190-cm outside hitter made her debut in the senior team at the 2021 VNL in Rimini as she filled the void left by the injured Parubets. After 15 games, the young Fedorovtseva produced 190 total points - five points higher than Goncharova’s total output - to help Russia finish eighth in the 16-nation tournament.

Joining Russia and host Serbia in Pool A are Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and France. Russia may not be the heavy favorite to capture the EuroVolley title this year, but it has the right pieces and talent to make its return to the medal stand.