Eczacibasi Dynavit ISTANBUL seized their 3-0 victory in a match that lasted 82 minutes, with the “usual suspects” stealing the show – Tijana Boskovic finished as top scorer with 23 points, while legendary setter Maja Ognjenovic was named MVP.
However, the away semi-final matches are due to take place next week, so nothing is over yet for CSM Volei Alba BLAJ.
Although Eczacibasi Dynavit ISTANBUL entered the court as heavy favourites, the hosts from CSM Volei Alba BLAJ showed great motivation right after the first referee whistle. The Turkish team tried several times to take the leadership position, but the Romanians would always chase them, getting closer, and delivering a rather equal performance (7 to 8 attacks at 13-10). However, the more experienced players of Eczacibasi took things in their hands in the deciding moments. Mc Kenzie Adams and Tijana Boskovic were the team leaders in these moments (with six and five points respectively), while for the hosts Olga Strantzali was doing good, with five points to her name.
– The guests started slightly better in the second set, but Victoriia Russu and Olga Strantzali turned things around as Alba Blaj took the lead at 13-11. However, with Hande Baladin on the serve, and with some powerful attacks by Tijana Boskovic, the Turkish team came back, eventually emerging victorious. As many as four kill blocks and three aces turned out to be crucial for Eczacibasi in this set.
Confident in their power, Ecacibasi did not face any problems in the third set and closed the match in three sets. Legendary Serbian setter Maja Ognjenovic was named MVP of the game.
Boskovic topped the charts with as many as 23 points to her name. Hande Baladin added 12 (five kill blocks). For Alba Blaj, Russu scored 12 times as well.
Overall, Eczacibasi finished better on all counts – 51 to 43 winning spikes (52% efficiency), recorded as many as 13 kill blocks (to six) and aced three times (to one).