The Turkish volleyball season began with a blockbuster showdown between two continental powerhouses — VakifBank Istanbul, reigning Sultanlar League champions, and Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul, the Turkish Cup holders. Both clubs, regular contenders in the CEV Champions League Volley, entered the Super Cup clash with more than just a trophy on the line: early-season confidence and psychological edge were at stake.
But Fenerbahce, driven by determination and their trademark fighting spirit, found new life in the third set. Led by their superstar Melissa Vargas, the Yellow Angels shifted gears — tightening their block-defense and overpowering VakifBank from the service line. They stormed back to claim the next two sets (25-19, 25-18), forcing a decisive tie-break.
The final set was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, reaching 13-13 as both teams had their chances to seal the match. In the end, Fenerbahce prevailed 18-16, completing a stunning 3-2 comeback victory (23-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18, 18-16) to lift the first trophy of the new season.
Fenerbahce’s Melissa Vargas was named MVP after an electrifying display — 25 points, including 5 aces and 2 blocks. Fellow outside hitter Arina Fedorovtseva matched her with 25 points of her own, while the new transfer, Polish middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk impressed with 11 points (4 blocks, 1 ace). On the other side, Tijana Bošković shone in her VakifBank debut with 24 points, supported by newcomer Helena Cazaute (20) and Marina Markova (17), though their efforts fell just short in the deciding moments.
Fenerbahce’s comeback not only secured the Turkish Super Cup but also sent a clear message for the season ahead. With the Sultanlar League starting next week, this rivalry may define the year—and could even shape the CEV Champions League.