Vakifbank ISTANBUL unstoppable in Finland
Report
On Thursday night, in Finland at Salohalli SALO, the runners-up of the previous edition of the CEV Champions League Volley - Women VakifBank Istanbul faced LP Salo. The star-studded Turkish team was a clear favourite of this encounter and they fully proved it on court, giving their rivals quick, but harsh lesson, as they defeated them in straight sets - in only 60 minutes. Thus, with perfect record of two wins and six points Giovanni Guidetti's team is still a leader of Pool B.
LP SALO vs VakifBank ISTANBUL 0-3 (14-25, 11-25, 17-25)
From the first whistle, the players of Vakifbank - even if with big smiles on their faces - were determined to show their strength starting the game with 5-0 lead and improving it further to 15-5. The host team tried their best to challenge their decorated rivals, but it was not enough to stop the Tuskish powerhouse. Gabi was showing her master skills in attack, once the entire team put a lot of pressure on rivals with serve (6 aces in the opening set). The brightest point on the other side of the net was Georgia Andrikopoulou, who scored 7 points with excellent 88% of success in attack.
VakifBank didn't even think about slowing down. They showed no mercy to their rivals, even if also Turkish side struggled in reception (only 20% of positive reception!), but with their power guns - Isabelle Haak (9 points in the 2nd set), Chiaka Ogbogu (5) and Zehra Gunes (5) they were out of range for the Finnish team.
The third set was the most competitive, but from 9-8, VakifBank again ran away with score and never looked back, taking an important straight-set win. Isabelle Haak who didn't play in the last set, was named the MVP of the match. She tallied as many as 12 points, including 4 aces and 8 kills (67% of success in this skill). Georgia Andrikopoulou was the best scorer of the match with 13 points.
Isabelle Haak"I think the game was really good. We did a pretty solid game and were focused and we played with all players. Every one did very good and it was fun. The gym was really nice. I really like LP Salo. I saw their videos and they have good pressure in serve and they try hard and have good defense. I hope they will do good in the championship. I am satisfied with my own game but everyone in the team did a good job as a team."
opposite of Vakifbank ISTANBUL and MVP
Iina Andrikopoulou"VakifBank ISTANBUL is a great team. We had our moments and challenged them on some moments well. One of my careers greatest matches, even we lost clearly. You dont get these chances so often in your life to play againts this level players and team."
opposite of LP SALO
Giovanni Guidetti"I’m happy that the team showed good progression and today we tried something we did in practise a lot. We were happy to be in Finland. The organization was excellent and we want to thank the team of Salo for being a great host. For my team I’m happy that every player entered and we took a step in front in our preparation. Finnish team isn’t used to this kind of competition and very high level physical and technical players, but they tried their best and they can be proud of that."
head coach of Vakifbank ISTANBUL
Tomi Lemminkäinen"First two sets we had too big problems with our reception - 10 straight mistakes. There was maybe little too much excitement, but we needed to be better. We played overall nice, but this is the diffrence between these teams. I am happy how Iina Andrikopoulou and Jessica Kosonen played, they believed."
head coach of LP Salo