With their weaknesses exposed, Turkish club team Eczacibasi VitrA rolled with Pomi Casalmaggiore’s punches and pulled through in the end to take the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship for the second straight year, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Having added several new pieces over the off-season, Ezcasibasi Vitra showed chemistry issues throughout the tournament but still managed to overwhelm their opponents with their talent, with six 2016 Olympians in the main rotation.
Pomi, who had but one 2016 Olympian on the lineup, took advantage of the poor passers in Ezcacibasi’s lineup. Both sides traded set wins, with Pomi pulling through in an epic fourth set to force a decider.
The Italians again had Ezcacibasi on the ropes in the fifth frame, taking a 10-8 lead after a Samanta Fabris smash. But the Turkish side retaliated decisively, getting a block then an ace from Rachel Adams to retake the advantage 11-10. Tatiana Koshaleva then scored off a smash to notch a 13-10 lead. Jordan Larson then floated a hit over two blockers to setup Tatiana Kosheleva’s game-winning ace.
Russian Kosheleva led all scorers with 23 points. 19-year Serbian old Boskovic, who won the MVP award, added 17 markers.
Samanta tallied 22 points for Pomi, while skipper Valentina Tirozzi managed 11 points.
Pomi, who made an unexpected run to the 2016 CEV championship, will settle for another underdog campaign to the Women’s CWC silver.
The Scores
Ezcacibasi (3) – Kosheleva 23, Boskovic 17, Daher 10, Larson 10, Adams 6, Ogjenovic 6, Demir 1, Akoz 0, Ozdemir 0, Kayalar (L)
Pomi (2) – Fabris 22, Tirozzi 11, Lloyd 9, Gibbemeyer 8, Bosetti 7, Stevanovic 6, Turlea 0, Siressi (L)
