In Novara, Italy, Fenerbahce Medicana swept Igor Gorgonzola Novara 3-0 to maintain perfect record in the CEV Women’s Champions League and earn first victory over the Italian club in the competition.
Set scores were 25-23, 25-21, 25-19. Melissa Vargas led Fenerbahce with 20 points and was named match MVP. Arina Fedorovtseva added 18 points, while veteran captain Eda Erdem anchored the defense with four blocks.
Novara, backed by more than 3,500 home fans, kept pace early despite missing Federica Squarcini and Indy Baijens, both sidelined with muscle issues. Tatiana Tolok finished with a team-high 17 points, and Lina Alsmeier added 11.
Novara opened the first set strongly before Fenerbahce rallied to tie at 10-10 and later pulled ahead behind Fedorovtseva’s service pressure. The visitors controlled the second set with improved serving and blocking, and surged ahead early in the third before closing out the match with an attack from Ana Cristina.
“It’s a very important win and we’re happy with how we played,” Vargas said.
Novara setter Carlotta Cambi said the team was “disappointed” by the straight-sets loss but encouraged by its competitiveness against a top opponent. Head coach Lorenzo Bernardi said Fenerbahce showed why it is “one of the strongest teams in the world” and added that such matches are vital for his team’s development.
Fenerbahce improved to 2-0 in Pool B and remains in first place.