VakıfBank and Fenerbahçe Opet opened their respective semi-final series of the 2021/22 Turkish Women’s Volleyball Championship with wins.
Less than a week after taking the Turkish Cup, No.1 VakıfBank returned to the court this Saturday and went ahead of No.4 Türk Hava Yolları in Game 1 of the semi-finals of the 2021/22 Misli.com Sultanlar Ligi playoffs. Away from home, Giovanni Guidetti’s team prevailed as expected, but the match was more complicated than predicted with the world champions being twice forced to reassemble, after 0-1 and 1-2 in sets. The Swede Isabelle Haak top-scored VakıfBank with 21 points. Brazilian Gabriela Gimarães ’Gabi’, who was doubtful for the match due to injury, set up 4 blocks. Ayça Aykaç made 80% reception (10 digs, 40% perfect).
As in the semi-final of the Turkish Cup last Friday, No.3 Fenerbahçe Opet beat No.2 Eczacıbaşı Dynavit 3-1 at the start of the playoff semis. Cuban Melissa Vargas highlighted the winning side with 21 points. Eczacıbaşı couldn’t count on Serbian setter Maja Ognjenović for food poisoning, which was a huge handicap for the team commanded by Ferhat Akbaş.
2021/22 Misli.com Sultanlar Ligi – playoff semi-finals, Game 1:
