Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
In the 15 years of the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, no champion has been to the finals, let alone retain its title.
All that changed when defending champion Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul overcame European powerhouse Pomi Casalmaggiore, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-11, Sunday night.
“We made history, it was very good,” said captain Neslihan Demir as she mustered enough words in the middle of her euphoria.
READ: Eczacibasi retains FIVB WCWC title, downs Pomi
Demir scored only one point in the three sets she played in the five-setter but it was in the final period where the defending champions had to fight back to take the lead.
Pomi had a 10-8 buffer heading into the final moments of the set when Eczacibasi scored four straight points to build its own momentum, and that fourth point was courtesy of the captain.
Demir served an ace in what could only be described as a captain’s point.
“It was a very tough game, we prepared ourselves for this kind of match,” said Demir. “In the end we are so happy. I hope we win all the cups!”