VakifBank take their revenge by edging Busto to book a spot in #SuperFinals
Report
VakifBank ISTANBUL emerged victorious in the last semifinal of the CEV Champions League Volley - Women and grabbed the spot in the Super Finals in Verona where they will face A. Carraro Imoco CONEGLIANO. The Turkish powerhouse reversed the outcome of the previous match lost to Unet e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO in tie-break. At e-work Arena BUSTO ARSIZIO, Giovanni Guidetti's squad were unstoppable with their leader Isabelle Haak contributing with as many as 26 points! VakifBank ISTANBUL stay in quest for their 5th trophy reaching the final for the seventh time.
Unet e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO (ITA) vs VakifBank ISTANBUL (TUR)
0-3 (13-25; 15-25; 15-25)
Semifinal (return match)
Starting the game with Gabi on serving line VakifBank ISTANBUL reached 9-0 lead, head coach of Unet e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO used two time-outs and eventually the hosts managed to score first point. Isabelle Haak enjoyed excellent opening (10 points in set 1) and the Turkish powerhouse improved their advantage further (even to 13 points at 20-7). BUSTO ARSIZIO showed a few great plays, but it was not enough to stop Guidetti's squad in the first set that was closed with ace from Michelle Bartsch-Hackley.
The second part had much more competitive beginning delivering several thrilling rallies with both sides giving their best, but then VakifBank jumped into six-point lead quickly and enlarging it up to nine points, putting a pressure with serve, the hosts struggled in reception (only 39% of positive receptions and 0% of excellent reception). Controlling situation on the court they marched to a second set win.
With no room for mistakes, Busto Arsizio tried to keep pace with their rivals, but despite their efforts again already in early stage VakifBank were unstoppable. Playing precisely and fully focused they again raced into a significant lead that let them calmly seal a match victory and get a desired ticket to the Super Finals in Verona to play for their fifth trophy.
- VakifBank enjoyed a perfect opening of the match as they took 9-0 lead with Gabi on serving line, 10 points in the first set scored by Isabelle Haak.
- Busto Arsizio had huge problems in reception in set 2 - only 39% of positive receptions and 0% of excellent reception.
- MVP Isabelle Haak topped the scorers charts with 26 points - 3 blocks and 23 kills (56% of success in attack).
- Camilla Mingardi tallied 16 for Busto Arsizio.
- VakifBank reach the final of the Champions League for the seventh time aiming for their fifth trophy.
Isabelle Haak"I am very happy for this victory against a very strong team. Compared to the first game we played more aggressively, we served well and defended a lot of balls. We trained for a week to improve and we studied well our opponent."
player of VakifBank ISTANBUL
Marco Musso"I'm sorry I wasn't able to bring the team to the final, but tonight the technical values of the players have rightly gone out. However, we must underline the path that our team has made and to be happy to have arrived this far."
head coach of Unet e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO
