Fenerbahçe too strong for Maritza
The Turkish grand Fenerbahçe Opet ISTANBUL secured second victory in the Pool D of the CLVolleyW, outclassing the Bulgarian champions of Maritza Plovdiv. In a match that lasted 101 minutes, the home side tried to surprise the players of head coach Zoran Terzic, but could eventually take only a set. Led by star player Arina Fedorovtseva (MVP of the match with 26 points to her name), Fenerbahce could find their play and, statistically, outclassed the opponent on the winning spikes (62 to 36), finishing as well better on the block (seven to five).
Fenerbahçe dominated on all counts in the opening set, taking control of the game and finishing with as many as 16 winning spikes. The hosts, on the other side, were struggling to find their rhythm. They did so in the beginning of the second set that started off with two back-to-back aces by Kristina Guncheva served towards Arina Fedorovtseva. Coach Borislav Krachanov surprised the opponents with an unusual line-up in set two. Maritza showed great hustle in defence and blocking. Maritza’s setter, Kristina Guncheva showed tricks on the net, helping her team to level the score.
Coach Terzic changed setters (Naz Aydemir came in) to help Fenerbahçe regain the lead in set three, and it worked out fine as his team recorded 17 winning spikes in this part.
Taking the set-lead, the guest didn’t have any problems in the last, fourth set, counting on the serving prowess of Arina Fedorovtseva, who actually scored her first and only ace of the match.
Meliha İsmailoğluIn such matches, if the opposing team is serving very well and defending very well, you always have difficulties. I think that we had some today. Although we didn't start very well, we finished very well. I am very happy that we won thanks to our team spirit. We were good in defence, and then did very well in offense. We are very happy that we won.
Player of Fenerbahçe Opet
Ivelina Monova“I am really pleased. We could have won the third set, but after the 20th point, we lost 2-3 easy balls against this really strong team, so they took advantage of it, and seized their chances. The performance that we delivered today could only inspire us to believe even more in ourselves that if we fight for the impossible balls, and play as I team, we can play even better.”
Libero and captain of Maritza Plovdiv