Lausanne, Switzerland, February 25, 2019 – The FIVB Volleyball Nations League delivered a pulsating first edition last year with a stellar performance from the United States at the women’s finals in Nanjing, China.Some of the tournament's more seasoned competitors are likely to spice up another exciting season of the VNL women’s tournament in 2019, and here are five to look out for.Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley was key to USA’s victory in the inaugural edition of the VNL, earning her the MVP plum. She was USA’s most consistent hitter who led the team in scoring throughout the six-week long tournament. The 28-year-old plays for Volley Novara in the Italian Serie A1 where she helped her club claim the Italian Cup.Captain Eda Erdem Dundar led a young and talented group of Turkish athletes in capturing the silver medal at the VNL last year. The 31-year-old’s remarkable leadership and top-flight performance in attack block and serve was key to the team’s solid performance in the tournament. She has been playing for Turkish club Fenerbahce since 2008.Zhu Ting’s phenomenal debut at the 2013 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix attracted a great deal of attention. Three years later she helped China win gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Her determination, passion and leadership continued to develop after that, making her a certified volleyball superstar. They 24-year-old also aided her team VakifBank Istanbul to back-to-back FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship titles while being named MVP on both occasions.Olympic champion Tandara Caixeta was Brazil’s scoring leader at last year’s VNL. She came up with a couple of 30-point performances that helped her team reach the final round. The 30-year-old also helped her national team win the FIVB World Grand Prix and the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup titles. She now plays in China for Guangdong Evergrande VC at the club level.Opposite Lonneke Sloetjes has helped the Netherlands reach the final four of the Olympic Games and the World Championship – the country’s best ever finish in these tournaments. The 28-year-old has earned many Best Opposite awards as a national team player and as a club player. She currently plays for VakifBank Istanbul in the Turkish league.Quick links - Volleyball:FIVB.com - Volleyball Nations LeagueFIVB.com - VolleyballFacebookTwitterInstagram
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