Six-time champions VakıfBank secured three wins out of three in the Zeren Group CEV Champions League Group A. After defeating Volero Le Cannet and then CS Volei Alba Blaj, the yellow and blacks beat Savino Del Bene Scandicci 3-1 in Italy to take the lead in the group. Tijana Boskovic, who scored 24 points, was named MVP of the game.
VakıfBank continues its unbeaten run in the Zeren Group CEV Champions League. The yellow and blacks defeated Savino Del Bene Scandicci 3-1 in Italy, making it three wins out of three. VakıfBank, the most successful team in the competition with six titles, took the lead in Group A after defeating Scandicci. At VakıfBank, Tijana Boskovic scored 24 points, Marina Markova 21, Helena Cazaute 11, and captain Zehra Güneş 10, all contributing double-digit scores.
Cansu's serves spark flawless comeback in opening set
VakıfBank fell behind 24-21 in the closing stages of a tightly contested first set. However, the Yellow-and-Blacks staged a brilliant comeback during Cansu Özbay's service turn. Aided by two aces from the setter, VakıfBank took the 27-minute set 26-24, with Marina Markova leading the charge with 9 points in this period.
The momentum continued into the second set as VakıfBank jumped to a 5-0 lead on Chiaka Ogbogu’s serve. They maintained their composure in the final moments to win 25-22 and extend their lead to 2-0. Scandicci claimed the third set 25-17, but VakıfBank regained control in the fourth set. Trailing 16-15, the yellow and blacks went on a decisive 4-0 run to reclaim the lead, eventually closing out the set 25-21 and the game 3-1.
Boskovic named MVP for the second consecutive time
Tijana Boskovic and Marina Markova spearheaded the victory against Scandicci, combining for 45 points. Boskovic, who recorded 24 points and 4 blocks, was honored as the MVP. This marks the second consecutive MVP award for the player, who also claimed the title in the yellow and blacks previous group match against CS Volei Alba Blaj in Romania.
VakıfBank keeps its winning streak alive
With the win in Italy, VakıfBank has started the group stage with three wins out of three for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The club also reached its 175th win in the CEV Champions League, continuing to be the team with the most wins in the competition.
Strong run in the group stage continues
VakıfBank continues its consistent performance in Europe with the win in Italy. The yellow and blacks have now won 11 of their last 12 CEV Champions League group stage matches, showing their steady form at the top level of European volleyball.
VakıfBank will face Beşiktaş in their next game in the Vodafone Sultanlar League on Sunday, 11 January at 2:00 pm at the Burhan Felek Vestel Salonu.
VENUE: Palazzo Wanny
REFEREE: Vasileios Vasileiadis (Greece), Jan Krticka (Czech Republic)
SAVINO DEL BENE SCANDICCI: Camilla Weitzel 9, Maja Ognjenovic 1, Avery Skinner 9, Linda Nwakalor 1, Ekaterina Antropova 30, Caterina Bosetti 2, Manuela Ribechi (L), Sarah Franklin 11, Emma Graziani 4
VAKIFBANK: Cansu Özbay 5, Marina Markova 21, Helena Cazaute 11, Zehra Güneş 10, Tijana Boskovic 24, Chiaka Ogbogu 7, Ayça Aykaç Altıntaş (L), Aylin Sarıoğlu Acar (L), Sıla Çalışkan, Lorenne Teixeira, Katarina Dangubic
SETS: 24-26, 22-25, 25-17, 21-25
SET DURATIONS: 27’, 28’, 23’, 26’
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