VNL 2025

With brilliant Ana Kristina, Brazil hand Turkiye first defeat in VNL 2025

The 21-year-old outside hammers 27 points towards the victory

Published 07:40, 22 Jun 2025

Türkiye (TUR) vs. Brazil (BRA) women - Pool 4 - Preliminary Phase #47959659

Brazil’s Ana Cristina and Julia Bergmann celebrate during the match against Turkiye

Brazil disappointed the huge home crowd in Istanbul by handing hosts Turkiye their first defeat in women’s Volleyball Nations League 2025. With Ana Cristina de Souza on fire, the South Americans put together a four-set victory over the home team in the last match of the pool and overtook them into the second place in the current VNL standings by a point. Both teams are on a 7-1 win-loss record each, but Brazil are in the runner-up position on 20 points, leaving Turkiye behind in third place on 19.

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Brazil outplayed Turkiye on all scoring counts, while their 21-year-old outside hitter Ana Cristina led the way to a 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) victory with a match-high 27 points. Her tally featured two kill blocks, an ace, a 57% success rate in attack and the match winning point. Middle blocker Diana Duarte Alecrim spiked at a 67% success rate and raised three kill blocks to finish with 13 points, while the other outside, Julia Bergmann, and the other middle, Lorena Giovana Viezel, added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Brazilian super star Gabriela Guimaraes (Gabi) also appeared in play again and this time she scored a point in attack in set four.

🇧🇷 Brazil TAKES THE W in Istanbul 👏

3-1 against the home team 🇹🇷 and in front of +14k roaring fans!#volleyball #bepartofthegame pic.twitter.com/D9GoaFOUc5
— Volleyball World (@volleyballworld) June 22, 2025

“I am really happy to be here, to play in Turkey. It’s like my home. We played really well as a team. Each of the girls helped a lot, so we could achieve one more victory. The atmosphere was amazing and even though the fans didn’t cheer for us, it was really good to play here. We know what a big team Turkey is, so we knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but we did a great job,” Ana Cristina told VBTV. “I am feeling really comfortable to play with this team. The girls help me a lot and this makes all the difference. When you have your teammates supporting you on the court, you can improve. Now it is important to rest first, but then we will focus on the next games in Japan. So, keep improving, keep practicing and do our best as always…”

Outside hitters Ebrar Karakurt, with 17 points, and Yaprak Erkek, with 15, were Turkiye’s leading scorers in the match. Opposite Melissa Vargas added another 14 points.