League leaders VakıfBank strengthened their grip at the top of the Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi standings with a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe Medicana in Round 23 action. The win marked VakıfBank’s 22nd triumph in 23 matches this season and their fifth consecutive league victory against their Istanbul rivals.
After narrowly dropping the opening set 25-23, VakıfBank responded with authority, claiming the next three sets 25-22, 26-24, and 25-21 at VakıfBank Sports Palace.
Tijana Bošković led the hosts with 24 points, while Marina Markova added 21 in a balanced attacking display. Chiaka Ogbogu contributed 10 points. For Fenerbahçe Medicana, Melissa Vargas and Arina Fedorovtseva each recorded 25 points but were unable to prevent their side’s defeat.
The pivotal moment came in the third set when Bošković’s serve run helped turn a tight contest in VakıfBank’s favor. Strong blocking and composed play in key rallies allowed the home side to edge the set 26-24 before sealing the match in four.
Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi – Round 23 Results
- Galatasaray Daikin 3-1 Zeren Spor (25-14, 25-18, 22-25, 25-22)
- İlbank 3-2 Nilüfer Bld. Eker (25-19, 22-25, 25-23, 17-25, 21-19)
- Kuzeyboru 3-0 Aras Kargo (31-29, 25-14, 25-22)
- Türk Hava Yolları 3-2 Aydın BBSK (18-25, 17-25, 25-13, 25-17, 15-9)
- Göztepe 3-0 Bahçelievler Bld. (25-13, 25-21, 25-20)
- Eczacıbaşı Dynavit 3-0 Beşiktaş (25-11, 25-18, 25-20)
- VakıfBank 3-1 Fenerbahçe Medicana (23-25, 25-22, 26-24, 25-21)