Eczacibasi Istanbul vs Pomi Casalmaggiore FIVB. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul coach made it very clear: It will go all out against PSL-F2 Logistics Manila.
The Turkish champion and defending titlist here unleashed its full force to turn back Rexona Sesc Rio yesterday, 25-27, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 15-11, and make the semifinals of the FIVB Women’s Club Championship at Mall of Asia Arena.
It is now at 2-0 and head coach Massimo Barbolini is eyeing a sweep of Group A.
And that’s bad news for PSL-F2 Logistics Manila today.
“As much as possible we want to win all our three games in the Group stage and become No. 1 team,” said Barbolini.
As the top team in Group A, Eczacibasi gets to face the No. 2 team in Group B in the semifinals.
Judging from the way it handled Rexona’s athleticism, power and speed, Eczacibasi looms as a fearsome juggernaut against the local club.
Tijana Boskovic took care of the scoring chores, making points.
She was supported by new recruit Tatiana Kosheleva and Jordan Larson-Burbach, who added 15 points apiece.
Rio Olympic champion Thaisa Daher Pallesi and Rachael Adams also chipped in in offense, making 11 points apiece.
But the telling blow was the fierceness with which Eczacibasi shielded its turf, scoring 22 blocks—seven from Boskovic—against Rexona’s seven.
Much of that effort was focused on Rexona’s flashy open spiker Gabi Guimaraes who had 52 attempts but could only land 14 of them.
Monique Marinho topscored with 24 points for Rexona which dealt PSL-F2 Logistics Manila a three-set loss on Tuesday.
Rexona finished Group stage at 1-2 and is now in danger of getting relegated to the classification stage.
Hisamitsu Springs Kobe scored its first win in Group B with a 25-14, 25-18, 25-20 win over Bangkok Glass.
Hisamitsu is at 1-2, while Bangkok Glass dropped to a 0-2 record.