VNL rookie Melissa Vargas had a big role in the Turkish victory against the Americans, leading all scorers with 23 points. The 23-year-old, Cuban-born opposite had 20 kills, two blocks and one ace in a stellar performance with the team coached by Daniele Santarelli.
Star opposite Ebrar Karakurt played as an outside hitter, just like she had done in the quarterfinals against Italy, and had another outstanding performance, producing 15 points (11 kills, three blocks, one ace) for her team. Middle blocker Zehra Gunes, who scored the game-winning point with a block, was another key player in the Turkish triumph with 13 points (seven kills, six stuffs), as well as libero Gizem Orge, who left the court with 16 digs.
“Winning this match was so difficult for us because the United States were at home,” Gunes reflected. “They were playing really well, but we did an amazing job today. We knew they have a lot of experience and a lot of success and that they could come back in the game, but we held strong. We’re very happy about it and about being in the final.”
