Led by Marcello Abbondanza, Fenerbahçe Medicana recorded their 15th victory in the Vodafone Sultanlar League, after defeating Eczacıbaşı Dynavit at home 3:1 in sets (25:12, 25:23, 18:25, 25:22) in the 18th round derby. The Italian specialist, who is also the coach of the Bulgarian women's national team, once again demonstrated squad depth and control over key moments in the match.
At Burhan Felek Vestel Hall, the 'Yellow Angels' started strong and dominated the first set, in which Hande Baladın scored 7 points, and the team won a total of 9 points from serves – a decisive 25:12. In the second set, Fenerbahçe had to catch up, but in the crucial part, Baladın and Sude Hacımustafaoğlu tipped the scales, and Melissa Vargas closed the set at 25:23. The visitors took the third set 18:25, but in the fourth, Fenerbahçe allowed no surprise and ended the dispute with a 25:22 win.
Arina Fedorovtseva was the top scorer with 22 points, Melissa Vargas added 16, and Hande Baladın finished with 13 points and a crucial role both in attack and with her serves. For Eczacıbaşı, Ebrar Karakurt scored 21 points, and Magdalena Stysiak – 11. After the match, the home team's libero, Gizem Örge, highlighted the energy and initial pressure from Baladın's serves, also emphasizing the importance of support from the stands.
Fenerbahçe Medicana signed a 1+1 season contract with American middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu, who will be part of the 'Yellow Angels' squad from the 2026/2027 season.
The next challenge for Fenerbahçe Medicana is in the CEV Champions League – an away match against Benfica in Lisbon on January 29, Thursday, at 23:00 Bulgarian time.
Photos:fenerbahce.org
