The defending Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi champions, VakıfBank, have officially ignited their championship fire. In a high-stakes clash at home, the Yellow-and-Blacks secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe Medicana, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the Play-off Final series. The victory was fueled by a dominant offensive display. Marina Markova spearheaded the attack with a stellar 29 points, while Tijana Boskovic delivered a clinical performance, chipping in with 21 points.
The defending Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi champions, VakıfBank, have taken a decisive 2-1 lead in the Play-off Final series. Hosting Fenerbahçe Medicana for the third installment of the finals, the Yellow-and-Blacks secured a vital 3-1 victory to move within striking distance of the trophy. With this result, VakıfBank is now just one win away from officially being crowned champions once again.
Fenerbahçe Medicana took the opening set 25-19, but VakıfBank quickly responded with a dominant performance in both defense and offense to start the second. Leading 10-5 early on, the Yellow-and-Blacks claimed the set 25-19 in 28 minutes, led by Marina Markova’s 8 points and Tijana Boskovic’s 7, leveling the game at 1-1.
Seizing the momentum with aggressive serving, VakıfBank opened the third set with a 3-0 run and stretched their lead to 19-12. Behind a barrage of 5 aces from Helena Cazaute (2), Zehra Güneş, Markova, and Deniz Uyanık, they closed out the set 25-18 to take the lead. Maintaining their composure in the final frame, VakıfBank edged out a 25-23 win in the fourth set to seal a 3-1 game victory.
Giovanni Guidetti: “We are up 2-1, but we haven't won anything yet”
VakıfBank Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti said: “When you are up 2-1 in a volleyball game, what do you think? Do you think the job is done, or do you think you’ve accomplished nothing yet? You know, leading 2-1 shows we’ve done a good job, but we haven't reached the finish line yet. That’s why we must realize we have another tough battle ahead against a very strong opponent. We know we have to be a team that stays laser-focused and remains incredibly active at the net. We expect our rivals to put up a massive fight, just as they do every game. We are fully aware that it’s going to be very difficult once again.”
Marina Markova: “I hope we will be champions this Thursday”
Following the victory, Marina Markova said: “I’m happy with the win. I hope we can maintain this level of aggression on Thursday, deliver another perfect performance, and secure the championship. We are now just one victory away. The atmosphere in the stands was incredible today. A huge thanks to our fans.”
The fourth game of the final series will take place on April 16 at 7:00 PM at the Burhan Felek Vestel Voleybol Salonu.
VENUE: VakıfBank Spor Sarayı
REFEREES: Erdal Akıncı, Yasin Çalışkan
VAKIFBANK: Chiaka Ogbogu 1, Cansu Özbay, Marina Markova 29, Zehra Güneş 9, Tijana Boskovic 21, Derya Cebecioğlu 2, Ayça Aykaç Altıntaş (L), Helena Cazaute 5, Deniz Uyanık 5 Aylin Sarıoğlu Acar (L)
FENERBAHÇE MEDİCANA: Alessia Orro 4, Arina Fedorovtseva 19, Aslı Kalaç 1, Melissa Vargas 17, Hande Baladın 4, Eda Erdem Dündar 11, Gülce Güçtekin (L), Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani 1, Ana Cristina de Souza 3, Agnieszka Korneluk 6, Arelya Karasoy 1
SETS: 19-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-23
SET DURATIONS: 26’, 28’, 26’, 31’
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