Eczacıbaşı VitrA defeated the Finnish team Hämeenlinna in straight sets in the first game of the 2019 CEV Champions League’s 4th Round.
Tuesday night’s first game between the host team Eczacıbaşı VitrA İstanbul and Finnish team Hämeenlinna started with strong defenses from both sides. Powered by Lauren Gibbemeyer’s block in the middle parts of the set, Eczacıbaşı VitrA led the game 25-17 in the first set.
The guest team Hämeenlinna’s middle blocker Mara Green’s carried her team with her strong attacks in the following set, yet it was not enough to ruin Eczacıbaşı VitrA’s 7-0 run after Gözde Yılmaz took the wheel with her strong serves.
Coming back stronger in the third set, Hämeenlinna pushed the home team at the serving point, also leading the game in the early parts of the set (10-8).
With today’s win Eczacıbaşı VitrA has increased their points to 12 and remained as the leader, while the guest team Hämeenlinna couldn’t bring back any points back home.
Due to her absence in the EuroVolley Gala, which was held in November 2018 in Budapest, Hungary, Eczacıbaşı VitrA opposite Tijana Boskovic received the 2018 CEV Female Volleyball Player of the Year award from the CEV Vice President Özkan Mutlugil before tonight’s match. The Serbian star Boskovic had sent her thanks with a special video message in November.
Eczacıbaşı VitrA - Hämeenlinna: 3-0
Venue: İstanbul Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall
Referees: Mykhaylo Medvid (UKR), Jan Krticka (CZE)
Eczacıbaşı VitrA: Gibbemeyer, Gamze, Kim, Merve, Gözde, Güldeniz, Simge (L).
Hämeenlinna: Riikila, Kalchenko, Martin, Kokkonen, Green, Orle, Porsanger (L), Principato, Karhu.
Set Results: 3-0 (25-17,25-7,25-20)
Duration: 63 minutes (21,19,23)
