The Turkish women's national team began its participation in the 2025 FIVB Nations League in an impressive manner, defeating France 3:1 (17-25, 25-23, 13-25, 14-25) in the opening match of the tournament, held at the "National Indoor Stadium" in Beijing, China. The match started early in the morning – at 06:30 AM Bulgarian time.
After a shaky start and losing the first set, the Turkish women demonstrated class and character to convincingly dominate the next three sets. Our southern neighbors showed their strongest performance in the third and fourth sets, where France failed to find an answer to the opponent's aggressive and varied play.
The Turkish team showed better offense, stable blocking, and a deadly serve with a total of9 acesagainst only one for France. Block points were also in favor of the Turkish women, 13 to 7. The French, although recording good statistics in reception and setting, could not cope with Turkey's powerful and varied attack (49% against 34% in attack).
With this victory, the "Sultans" declared their ambitions right from the start of the tournament. Their next opponent in the group stage will be Thailand.
Turkey's squad for the match against France:
Setters: Elif Sahin, Dilay Ozdemir
Opposite: Alexia Karutasu
Outside Hitters: Hande Baladin, Derya Cebecioglu, Meliha Diken, Yaprak Erkek, Saliha Sahin
Middle Blockers: Aycin Akyol, Buse Berka Ozden, Deniz Uyanik, Asli Kalac
Liberos: Simge Akyoz, Eylül Akarcesme Yatgin
Young outside hitter Ayse Curuk was not in the 14-person squad for the match against France.
With this victory, Turkey maintains its fourth position in the world ranking, adding 0.01 points. Italy is first, followed by Brazil and the USA. Bulgaria is in twentieth position before tomorrow's match against Canada, who are eighth.
Top scorers:
France:
Ndiaye –19 points
Rotar –7 points
Turkey:
Deniz –16 points
Karatasu –15 points
