Turkish volleyball giants Vakifbank and Eczacibasi secure straight-set victories in the domestic league.
Turkish volleyball giants Vakifbank and Eczacibasi delivered dominant performances in the Turkish Volleyball League on Wednesday, defeating their respective rivals in straight sets to build momentum ahead of the upcoming FIVB Women's Club World Championship in Sao Paulo.
Both powerhouse clubs cruised to 3-0 victories in the seventh round of domestic action, showcasing their elite form and depth as international competition approaches, according to information published by WEBVOLEI.
The victories reaffirm the strength of the top Turkish teams as they prepare for the global tournament, where both organizations will face international contenders in December at the Wlamir Marques Poliesportivo.
Vakifbank defeats THY with stellar performance from Marina Markova
Playing at home, Vakifbank earned a convincing straight-set victory over the surprising THY team with partial scores of 25-21, 25-22, and 25-11 to maintain their flawless start in the Turkish Volleyball League.
Russian outside hitter Marina Markova returned to the lineup after missing the weekend match and led Vakifbank with 21 total points, including 18 kills at a 64 percent success rate and three blocks.
Serbian opposite Tijana Boskovic contributed another 15 points to the winning effort, while THY opposite Anna Lazareva was heavily marked, finishing with just 11 points and a 39 percent offensive efficiency.
Eczacibasi overcomes traffic delay to sweep Besiktas
Elsewhere in the Turkish Volleyball League, Eczacibasi secured a comfortable 3-0 away win against Besiktas with set scores of 25-15, 25-16, and 25-16, despite a delayed start caused by local traffic difficulties for the hosts.
Italian star Ekaterina Antropova led all scorers with 19 points, boasting nearly 60 percent attacking efficiency alongside a match-high three blocks.
Turkish international Ebrar Karakurt added 13 points for Eczacibasi, recording a remarkable 73 percent attacking efficiency during the dominant road victory.
League standings and Club World Championship ticket details
Following the latest round, Vakifbank sits at the top of the Turkish Volleyball League standings with seven wins from seven matches and 20 total points.
Eczacibasi climbed to second place with five victories and two losses, though they are expected to be surpassed by Fenerbahce, managed by Ana Cristina, which holds two matches in hand.
Fans wishing to attend the FIVB Women's Club World Championship in Sao Paulo this December can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster and use the promotional code WV10 for a 10 percent discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led Vakifbank in scoring against THY?
Russian outside hitter Marina Markova led Vakifbank with 21 points, including 18 attacks and three blocks, in the straight-set victory over THY.
What were the set scores for Eczacibasi against Besiktas?
Eczacibasi defeated Besiktas away from home with set scores of 25-15, 25-16, and 25-16 in the Turkish Volleyball League.
Where will the Women's Club World Championship take place?
The FIVB Women's Club World Championship will take place in December at the Poliesportivo Wlamir Marques in the eastern zone of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
