THE Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul drew strength from its Olympians to prove that they were the better Turkish club team as they knocked out Vakifbank Istanbul, 25-23, 19-25, 25-17, 25-23, in a sudden-death semis match on Saturday to book their second straight finals appearance in 2016 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Women’s Club World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, PSL-F2 Logistics Manila blew its chance for a decent fifth-place finish after losing to Hisamitsu Springs Kobe in straight sets, 15-25, 18-25, 21-25.
Japanese national team mainstays Yuki Ishii, Risa Shinnabe and Miyu Nagaoka combined for 40 points to lift Hisamitsu Springs Kobe and the chance to bag the fifth spot against Rexona-Sesc Rio on Sunday.
The Rio de Janeiro club team also won in straight sets earlier over the Bangkok Glass, 25-19, 25-15, 25-20.
Rio Olympics silver medalists Tijana Boskovic and Ogjenovic Maja of Serbia and bronze medalists Rachael Adams and Jordan Larson-Burbach joined forces with Russian Tatiana Kosheleva and Brazilian Thaisa Daher Pallesi in their crucial match to move closer for a title repeat.
The defending champions were holding a precarious 21-19 lead, but Vakifbank banked on Zhu Ting to tie the game at 22-all.
But the American players provided the clutch hits as Adams put Eczacibasi ahead, 23-22, while Larson nailed the last two points to clinch the finals berth.
“It was a wonderful match. I’m very happy that we won thanks to defense,” Eczacibasi Head Coach Massimo Barbolini said. “We have unbelievable plays in attacks, but if we want to win, you have to play good defense. Attack and block are not enough.”
Boskovic, a 19 year-old Serbian, unleashed 22 points built on 17 attacks, three service aces and two blocks. Kosheleva and Daher Pallesi chipped in 13 hits and 12 hits, respectively. Maja and Larson delivered 10 markers each, while Adams added eight.
Eczacibasi VitrA will face the winner of the other semifinal match featuring Volero Zurich and Pomi Casalmaggiore, which was being played as of press time.
Barbolini is looking forward for another run for a title.
“I don’t believe in what happened in the past. Every season is a new season. Being in the finals is a great result, but it’s not enough,” Barbolini said. “One ball can change everything. I don’t know what can happen. We have to do little things for the tactical point of view. We’ll be watching the opponent team closely.”
Zhu carried the loads finishing with 23 points. Lonneke Sloejtes delivered 10 hits, while Gozde Kirdar and Milena Rasic added nine markers apiece.