Fenerbahçe & VakıfBank Kick Off the Year with CL Wins

On Tuesday, VakıfBank Istanbul and Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL kicked off the new year with strong victories. VakıfBank defeated KAMNIK, while Fenerbahçe secured a win against PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ, starting the year on a high note.

PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ (POL) 1 vs  (TUR) 3 Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL

Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL started the new year with an incredible comeback victory against PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ in the Champions League. Down early, the Turkish team showed great resilience, battling back from a set down to secure a hard-fought 3-1 win (21-25, 25-19, 25-13, 26-24).

The match began with PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ taking control, surprising Fenerbahçe with their aggressive play. The Polish team won the first set 25-21, putting Fenerbahçe on the back foot. But instead of backing down, Fenerbahçe regrouped and came out strong in the second set. They found their rhythm, tied the match with a 25-19 win, and shifted the momentum in their favor.

In the third set, Fenerbahçe unleashed their full potential. They played with precision and relentless energy, taking control of the court and putting constant pressure on their opponents. The scoreline of 25-13 clearly showed their dominance and ability to turn the game around.

The final set was intense, with both teams giving it their all in a fierce battle. It stayed close until the end—Fenerbahçe led 24-19, but the Polish team made a strong comeback, tying the set at 24-24. In those final moments, Fenerbahçe’s experience proved crucial. They stayed composed and managed to edge out their opponents 26-24, securing a hard-fought win 

The key to Fenerbahçe’s success was the outstanding performance of DRCA Bojana. She played a crucial role in the match, making a significant impact and earning the well-deserved MVP title. Bojana scored 7 points, had a 50% success rate on receptions, and showed impressive spike efficiency at 60%, helping her team to win. 

Fenerbahçe emerged victorious, but PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ made them work for it. Terry Ruth Nkemdilim ENWEONWU was a standout for the Polish side, contributing 15 points and a 45% spike efficiency. Her performance gave her team a strong fight, but Fenerbahçe’s experience proved too much in the end.

 Calcit KAMNIK (SLO) 0 vs (TUR) 3 VakifBank ISTANBUL

VakıfBank Istanbul delivered a solid performance, defeating Calcit Kamnik 3-0 in the Penultimate match of the CEV Champions League Volley Pool C. The match brought back memories of their championship win in Ljubljana years ago, as the team once again showed their strength and skill on the court. With their consistent play, VakıfBank proved why they remain one of the top teams in European volleyball.

The first set was a hard-fought contest, with both teams giving it their all. It was Drca’s decisive smash that sealed the set for VakıfBank Istanbul, as their experience helped them overcome Calcit Kamnik’s strong resistance to win 25-22.

In the second set, VakıfBank raised their level of play. With accurate receptions and powerful attacks, they took control early. By staying focused and minimizing errors, they steadily built their lead and claimed the set 25-18.

The final set was the most thrilling. Calcit Kamnik started strong, holding the lead for much of the game and keeping VakıfBank on edge. But VakıfBank’s resilience shone through as they fought back at 17-all, gaining momentum to take the set 25-23 and secure the win.

MVP Performance
Kiera Van Ryk was the standout player of the night, making a huge impact with a 47% success rate on her spikes. The VakıfBank star showed her skill, scoring 17 points and rightfully earning MVP honors. Her powerful spikes and well-placed serves were key in breaking down Calcit Kamnik’s defense.