The Turkish women's national volleyball team achieved a dramatic 3:2 (19-25, 25-20, 29-31, 28-26, 15-12) victory over China in their last match of the first stage of the 2025 Nations League (VNL). The match took place at the National Stadium in Beijing and marked Ayşe Çürük's successful debut for the national team.

Strong comebacks and will to win

After losing the first set, the Turkish team showed character and equalized in the second, led by the excellent play of Saliha and Alexia. In the third set, the "Sultans of the Net" allowed a comeback despite an 8-point lead, and China took a 2:1 lead.

The fourth set brought a climax – China led 24-20, but the Turkish women saved five match points and won 28-26. The tie-break was even until 8-8, but Turkey imposed their will and closed the match with 15-12.

Individual performances

Alexia was an undisputed leader with 38 points and was declared the top scorer. She was followed by Hande with 18 and Saliha with 16 points. Turkey finished the first stage with 4 wins from 4 matches and 10 points, climbing to 3rd place in the world rankings.

What's next

The second stage of the VNL will take place between June 18 and 22 in Istanbul. Turkey will face the Dominican Republic, Canada, South Korea, and Brazil sequentially.