Isabelle Haak’s prolific scoring and Gabi’s last minute heroics established the momentum for VakifBank Istanbul as they posted a 3-2 (25-16, 22-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-10) victory against Fenerbahce Opet in Game 1 of the Turkish League women’s final at the Burhan Felek Vestel Voleybol Salonu İstanbul on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Haak has evolved into a key source of points for VakifBank as she delivered another double-digit scoring night. The young Swede made 23 points built from 20 kills, two service winners and a block, while her scoring rival Melissa Vargas headed Fenerbahce with 22 kills and an ace. Brazilian outside hitter Gabi Guimaraes who came off the bench had 11 markers.
Michelle Bartsch-Hackley added 14 points, while starting middles Zehra Gunes and Kubra Caliskan each scored 10 in the match for VakifBank.
After a strong opening for VakifBank, Fenerbahce retaliated with victories in the next two sets to the delight of the home support. The visiting side’s better tactics in offence in the fourth set, however, and their efforts in defence paid off to extend the match to a fifth set.
In the final set, Gabi was at the forefront of VakifBank's offence, scoring on every opportunity she had on the attack, but also helping out in defence at the net to build a comfortable lead. Gabi delivered the final blow with a spike to win the match at 15-10.
“Many matches will be played like this one because the level of the two teams is very similar,” said VakifBank coach Giovanni Guidetti.
“We did not play our best volleyball in this match, but I’m happy to see the team putting a lot of great spirit on the court. We did not play well in the second and third sets, but my team did not give up. We tried to find a solution both to stay in the match and to come back.”
Game 2 of the Finals series will be on April 13 at VakifBank Spor Sarayi.
Meanwhile, Turk Hava Yollari edged Eczacibasi Vitra in a four-set match 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 19-25, 25-21) in the battle for third place.
Tijana Boskovic’s 30-point output for Eczacibasi was eclipsed by the Turk Hava Yollari’s scoring trio of Ebrar Karakurt, Maddison Lynn Kingdon and Asli Kalac who scored 19, 15 and 12 points, respectively.
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