Experience, class, and composure in crucial moments made the difference. In a match where tension was palpable in every set, Halkbank demonstrated mature volleyball and convincingly prevailed over the leader Ziraatbank.

In a match from the 10th round of the Turkish Efeler League, Radostin Stoychev's team won 3:0 (25:23, 25:21, 25:23) as guests, closing the match without allowing hesitation in any of the three sets. The success was Ziraatbank's first defeat of the season.

At 41 years old, Matey Kaziyski was once again among the strongest on the court. The outside hitter finished with 19 points, being extremely effective in attack
(1 ace, 2 blocks, 67% attack efficiency, 36% perfect and 45% positive reception).

Tsvetan Sokolov provided the necessary stability at the center of the net and finished the match with 13 points
(3 blocks, 45% attack efficiency).

Yoandy Leal also made a significant contribution, recording 10 points
(3 aces, 1 block).

For Ziraatbank, Nimir Abdel-Aziz was the top scorer with 23 points
(2 aces, 1 block, 54% attack efficiency), but even his performance could not compensate for the team's reception weaknesses.

At first glance, the reception statistics and points from opponent errors gave ZiraatBank an advantage, but the match was decided at the net and with the finishing attack. Halkbank absolutely dominated in blocking (11:3) and had significantly higher attack efficiency, which explains why all three sets were won without going to a fourth.

The 14-point difference in attack efficiency is telling – Halkbank converted more than every second successful attack, while the hosts often ended rallies without a point, despite a better first touch. It was precisely this combination – strong blocking and high scoring efficiency – that nullified ZiraatBank's advantage in reception.

Here are the standings:

Photos:halkbankspor.org.tr/