News - BVA

Fenerbahce Clinch Turkish Super Cup After Epic Comeback

by Press 09/10/2025

written by Press

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.

VakifBank started the match in dominant fashion, displaying sharp serving and organized defense to take a comfortable 2-0 lead (25-23, 25-21). With Tijana Bošković finding her rhythm early and Helena Cazaute providing consistent offensive support, Giovanni Guidetti’s side seemed on course for a straight-set win.

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.

09/10/2025 0 comments

Eczacibasi Sports Club’s new sports arena opens in Kartal

by Press 09/10/2025

written by Press

Eczacibasi Sports Club, a true pioneer in women’s Volleyball in Türkiye, recently opened their new sports hall in Kartal, which stands out for its modern architecture and international standards. The ceremony was attended by Istanbul Deputy Governor Ünal Kılıçarslan, Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, Kartal Mayor Gökhan Yüksel, and many more leading officials from across the world of Volleyball and club legends. The opening was celebrated with special moments symbolising both the past and the future of the club.

A new chapter in a 60-year journey

Eczacibasi Sports Club, which has guided the development of Turkish women’s Volleyball since 1966, has started a new chapter in their journey with the opening of the Kartal Sports Hall, its third major investment following its previous facilities located in Levent (1973) and Ayazağa (2001). At the ceremony, the club’s captains from the eras coinciding with the opening of such facilities – Aylin Üstündağ, Özlem Özçelik and Simge Aköz – along with young athletes, brought the club’s unique Volleyball legacy to the stage – from generation to generation.

Emphasising that women’s Volleyball has now transcended being merely a sport to become a cultural movement, Club President Faruk Eczacibasi said in his speech:

“For Eczacibasi, Volleyball means much more than just trophies. For us, Volleyball symbolises our belief in women’s strength, courage and the necessity of their greater participation in all areas of social life. The hall we are opening today is not just a building; it is a home where the captains and stars of the future will be nurtured, a new stage where Türkiye’s stories of pride will be written.”

Club President Faruk Eczacibasi addressing the many guests in attendance for the opening of the Kartal Hall

4,000-seat capacity

Completed in only 15 months and boasting a construction area of 25,000 m², the hall stands out with its 7,820 m² sports area and 4,000-seat capacity. Built in accordance with FIVB and CEV standards, the main court is complemented by three training halls, accommodation for young athletes, and fitness and physiotherapy areas. The new hall, with its high-definition cube screen, modern stands and in-house museum, is positioned not only as a sports centre but as a cultural hub as well.

From the 2025-2026 season onwards, Eczacibasi Sports Club will play all their national league and European matches at the new Kartal Sports Hall. The facility will also serve as a permanent centre for the development of young players.

The iconic, state-of-the-art arena will host all of Eczacibasi home matches in national and international competitions

09/10/2025 0 comments

BVA Cup W Main

AEK Athens Claims Balkan Cup Title 2025

by Press 08/10/2025

written by Press

AEK Athens claimed the championship title of the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Balkan Cup after an impressive performance in the tournament held in Gjilan, Kosovo. The Greek team secured a dominant 3:0 victory (25:20, 25:19, 25:18) over the host team KV Drita, and with three victories in the three matches lifted the Balkan Cup trophy.

With this result, AEK Athens not only won the title but also earned the right to participate in the CEV Challenge Cup, where they will compete in the 32nd Finals Round against Srem Sremska Mitrovica from Serbia.

Montenegro’s OK Herceg Novi secured second place in the tournament standings, finishing with two victories. On the final day, Herceg Novi defeated Fit Fun Volley from North Macedonia in straight sets (25:16, 25:9, 25:12), securing their silver medal position.

The host team, KV Drita, finished third in the tournament.

Sevastiani Xintara from AEK Athens was deservedly named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2025 BVA Cup.