Two of the main favorites to win gold in the women's volleyball tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Brazil and Turkey, secured their first victories in the event on Monday, at South Paris Arena 1. This happened in two completely different ways - while the South Americans had no problems with Kenya, the Europeans were losing 2-0 against the Netherlands before making a full comeback and triumphing in the tie-break.

Debuting in Pool B, Brazil, the second-best team in the FIVB World Ranking, showed their superiority on the court to decisively defeat the African champions 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-12). This was the South Americans' eighth victory in encounters between the two teams, with the Brazilians not having lost a set to the Kenyans in international tournaments.

With the three points won, Brazil shares first place in Pool B with Poland, who also earned three points after their four-set victory over Japan on Sunday. The Asians and Africans are at the bottom of the standings with no points.

Opposite hitter Rosamaria Montibeller and middle blocker Ana Carolina “Carol” da Silva were the top scorers for Brazil in the match, scoring 13 points each. Middle blocker Thaísa Menezes had 11 points (seven attacks and four blocks).

Opposite hitter Pamela Owino was Kenya's most productive player, scoring seven points (six attacks, one block). The Brazilians were better in all components, outscoring the Kenyans in attack (42 to 21), blocks (16 to three), and aces (two to zero).
Brazil will play their next match in Paris on Thursday, when they are scheduled to face Japan at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT). The previous evening, Kenya will meet Poland at 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

Turkey's first victory at the Paris Games was more than dramatic, as the European champions were down 0-2 against a determined Dutch team and had to rely on the power of their stars and the support coming from the packed stands to rally and come away with a dramatic 3-2 (19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-12) victory.

Avoiding a disappointment in their debut match, Turkey, who are fourth in the world rankings, finish the first round of matches in second place in Pool C with two points - one less than leaders Italy and one more than third-placed Netherlands. The Dominican Republic is yet to earn points.

With this result, the Turkish women continue their winning streak against the Dutch, as they have triumphed nine consecutive times against their continental rivals. However, this was the toughest of those encounters, as never before had the Netherlands managed to take a match to a tie-break.
Playing her first Olympic match, star Melissa Vargas was absolutely key to the Turkish comeback, topping all scorers with an impressive 30 points (29 attacks, one block). Captain Eda Erdem and Hande Baladin added 12 points each.

Jolien Knollema and Nika Daalderop, who finished the match with 15 points each, and middle blocker Juliet Lohuis with 13, were the top scorers for the Dutch.

Turkey's next match in Paris will be on Thursday, when they face the Dominican Republic in the first match of the day at 9:00 local time (7:00 GMT). Later, at 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT), the Netherlands will meet VNL champions Italy.