#CLVolleyW Squads Deliver Drama as VakıfBank, Fenerbahçe, and Scandicci Prevail

It was a blockbuster day of women’s volleyball across Europe as #CLVolleyW contenders faced off in high-profile domestic battles in both Türkiye and Italy. The Turkish Sultanlar League featured two all-European clashes, with VakıfBank and Fenerbahçe both emerging victorious, while in Italy, Savino Del Bene Scandicci claimed an emphatic win over Milano.

In Türkiye, all eyes were on Istanbul for the highly anticipated clash between the reigning Sultanlar League champions VakıfBank Istanbul and their city rivals Eczacıbaşı Dynavit Istanbul. The match lived up to expectations, delivering long rallies and narrow margins in every set. Despite dropping the opener, VakıfBank found their rhythm to secure a hard-fought 3-1 victory (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 26-24) and remain unbeaten with three wins from three matches. Russian outside hitter Marina Markova led the way with 28 points, while Zehra Güneş and Tijana Bošković added 13 and 12 points, respectively. For Eczacıbaşı, it was their first loss of the season despite strong showings from Ebrar Karakurt (24 points) and Polish opposite Magdalena Stysiak (18 points).

Meanwhile, in Ankara, Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul showcased their firepower against Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü, dominating from the very first serve to claim a straight-set victory (3-0: 25-14, 25-21, 25-20). Star duo Melissa Vargas and Arina Fedorovtseva once again proved unstoppable, scoring 18 and 16 points, respectively. Despite a valiant effort from Anna Lazareva (12 points), Zeren were unable to match the pace and consistency of Fenerbahçe, who stay unbeaten.

Over in Italy, a crucial Serie A1 Women matchup saw Savino Del Bene Scandicci deliver a statement performance against newly crowned Super Cup champions Numia Vero Volley Milano. Many expected Milano to carry their momentum from last trophy win, but Scandicci turned in a composed and powerful display to take a clean 3-0 victory (25-23, 25-22, 25-23). Rising Italian star Ekaterina Antropova led all scorers on the winning side with 18 points, supported by Avery Skinner (14) and Camilla Weitzel (11). Despite Paola Egonu’s 21-point effort, Milano couldn’t find their rhythm against Scandicci’s strong block and serve. The result marked Scandicci’s fourth win in five matches, while Milano suffered their second defeat in four outings.

With these results, the #CLVolleyW clubs once again demonstrated why they sit at the top of European volleyball — combining individual brilliance with collective strength as the domestic and continental seasons continue to unfold.