For observers of Bulgarian women`s volleyball, the final result of the Kupa Bulgariya (National Cup) tournament often feels less like a competition and more like a formalized procedural confirmation. This year, the procedure was executed with exceptional precision: **Maritza PLOVDIV** secured the trophy for the ninth consecutive time, marking their 11th overall national cup title.
The triumph not only solidifies Maritza’s decade-long monopoly on domestic silverware but also reaffirms their role as Bulgaria`s cornerstone representative on the demanding European stage, specifically in the CEV Champions League Volley.
The Final Sweep: Levski SOFIA Defeated in Three Sets
The concluding match took place at the Hristo Botev volleyball hall in Sofia, pitting the reigning champions against Levski SOFIA. Maritza PLOVDIV demonstrated zero tolerance for competitive deviation, dispatching their rivals in a decisive 3-0 shutout (25-20, 25-12, 25-21).
While the first and third sets offered Levski brief moments of resistance, the second set was a clinical demonstration of superior technical execution, resulting in a crushing 25-12 scoreline that effectively extinguished any hope the home side might have harbored.
Statistical Excellence: Saykova and Dudova Lead the Assault
Maritza`s victory was engineered by outstanding individual performances anchored in technical efficiency. Opposite hitter **Iva Dudova** functioned as the primary offensive outlet, concluding the match with a decisive, match-high total of **17 points**. However, the truly noteworthy performance came from middle blocker **Borislava Saykova**.
Saykova was unanimously selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. Her contribution was a masterclass in positional effectiveness, accumulating five critical kill blocks and delivering two service aces. What separated her performance was her hitting efficiency: Saykova registered an astonishing **78% success rate** on her spiking attempts. In a sport where an efficiency exceeding 50% is considered elite, 78% borders on statistical inevitability—a fitting metric for a team that seems to define winning as its default state.
Complementing the star performers, outside hitter Viktoria Koeva also achieved double digits, contributing 10 points exclusively through attacking swings.
The relentless efficiency demonstrated by the middle blocker Borislava Saykova, particularly her 78% hitting rate, didn`t just win points; it exerted psychological pressure. When your opponent rarely makes an error, the margin for your own team’s mistakes vanishes entirely.
The Road to the Ninth Title: Navigating the Tournament Structure
The path to the final was a consolidated, three-day effort featuring eight of Bulgaria’s top clubs. Maritza’s journey began with a predictable straight-set quarterfinal victory over Minyor PERNIK. The semi-final, however, provided the champions with their only minor tactical inconvenience.
Facing CPVK SOFIA on the second day, Maritza momentarily ceded the first set before efficiently adjusting their tactics and storming back to secure the match in four sets. This ability to swiftly recover from a momentary deficit highlights the deep roster management and technical composure maintained by the team, attributes essential for prolonged dominance.
The Legacy of Perpetual Success
Winning one national cup is challenging; securing nine in a row is the definition of a dynasty. Under the guidance of Turkish head coach **Ahmetcan Ersimsek**, Maritza PLOVDIV has established a systemic superiority that competitors have yet to breach. This consistent success ensures that Maritza remains the benchmark for competitive volleyball in Bulgaria, setting standards in player development and tactical discipline.
The celebratory image of the players tossing Coach Ersimsek into the air post-victory is not just a snapshot of joy, but a visual summary of the relief and satisfaction of maintaining an extraordinary record. For Maritza, the focus immediately shifts to their international commitments, where this domestic success will serve as crucial momentum. The domestic season has concluded its first major milestone, and once again, the conclusion is overwhelmingly clear: in Bulgarian volleyball, Maritza PLOVDIV reigns supreme.
