Nanjing: The Thai women's volleyball team was unable to withstand Serbia, losing 0-3 sets in their opening match of the 2026 Women's Nations League. According to Thai News Agency, this match marked the first week of the 2026 Women's Volleyball Nations League, held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China. The Thai team, ranked 18th in the world, faced off against Serbia, who are ranked 9th. In this game, head coach Kiattipong Ratchatagriengkrai fielded six starting players: setter and team captain Pornpun Guedparach, outside hitters and opposite hitters Pimpichaya Kokram, Sasipaporn Chantavisut, and Atcharaporn Kongyot, middle blockers Thaddao Nuekjaeng and Kaewkallaya Kamulthala, and libero Piyanut Paennoy. Serbia was led by captain Maja Aleksic and rising star Alexandra Ucelac. The Thai team, despite a height disadvantage, fought hard in the first set but narrowly lost 24-26 after coach Ott made strategic substitutions. In the second set, Thailand continued to resist Serbia's superior sk ills but eventually fell 22-25. The third set saw further changes in the Thai lineup, but Serbia prevailed 25-19, concluding the match with a 0-3 scoreline. Alexandra Ucelac scored a game-high 17 points for Serbia, while Pimpichaya, Sasipaporn, and Papatchaya each scored 7 points for Thailand. Post-match, Coach Ott praised Serbia's performance and commended Thai players Papatchaya Poltham and Kanthima Ekpachcha. He acknowledged the need for improvement before the next match against China. Team captain Chompoo Pornphan emphasized the close game and praised her teammates' efforts, expressing a determination to correct mistakes and perform better in upcoming matches. The Thai women's volleyball team is scheduled to play against China on June 4th, Belgium on June 6th, and the Czech Republic on June 7th.
