Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul made volleyball history after defending its title with a 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-11, win over Pomi Casalmaggiore in the gold medal match of the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Jordan Larson-Burbach gave the defending champions the 14-11 lead with an off speed shot and hitter Tatiana Kosheleva aced the tournament’s final serve for the Turkish club’s second world title.
It’s the first time in the tournament’s history a champion has defended its title.
“All the team, all the staff is happy,” said Eczacibasi head coach Massimo Barbolini.
Barbolini inherited a team that now Pomi Casalmaggiore head coach Giovanni Guidetti left and had three new players just coming into the club.
Middle blocker Thaisa, Kosheleva, and setter Maja Ognjenovic were all new signings the club made before the tournament.
“For a new team to win this tournament, this for us is the big first step for our new season. Congratulations to the club.”
Pomi was the first to establish momentum in the fifth set with steady two-point leads to keep Eczacibasi at bay.
Samanta Fabris gave Pomi a 10-8 lead after a crosscourt kill but her ensuing service was short and Rachael Adams tied the set at 10-10 with a massive block.
Eczacibasi captain Neslihan Demir then stabilized the tide for her team with a service ace, her lone point of the match, to put them ahead 12-10.
Kosheleva had 23 points to lead Eczacibasi while 19-year-old Tijana Boskovic added 17.
Larson-Burbach and Thaisa also finished in double figures for Eczacibasi with 10 apiece.
Fabris led the losing finalists with 22 points while captain Valentina Tirozzi added 11.