The women's volleyball team of Turkey defeated China 3-1 in the final of the FIVB Nations League to reach a historic champions title and won the gold medal.
In the final match played in Arlington, Texas, USA, China brought the game to 1-1 after Turkey took a 1-0 lead in sets. The Sultans of the Net then won two sets in a row, bringing the Gold Medal and the 2020 Nations League Cup to Turkey.
Consequently, Turkey reached the championship and ranked 1st in the Women's Volleyball National Team Ranking, ahead of the USA.
Melisa Vargas of Turkey scored a total of 26 points in the final match. After Vargas, Eda Erdem Dundar and Ebrar Karakurt became the top scorers in the Sultans of the Net with 12 points each.
On behalf of China, the most influential name of the match was Li Yingying, with a total of 21 points.
Turkey won the Silver Medal in the First Nations League organized in 2018 by losing to the USA in the final. The Sultans of the Net won the Bronze Medalists in 2021. With the result received in Arlington, the Sultans of the Net reached gold for the first time.
Santarelli, Head Coach of the National Women's Volleyball Team: "We did a very good job"
Daniele Santarelli, the Head coach of the National Women's Volleyball Team, emphasized that he was very proud that they were the champions and said, "I saw what every head coach wants to see. So many players have worked for this goal. I couldn't have imagined this when I came here. The players I'm working with at the moment are phenomenal. Our federation is very good. We are going to celebrate this championship right now. We did a very good job."
Eda Erdem: It's a dream, I can't believe it!
The captain of the A National Team, Eda Erdem, expressed her feelings after the championship with the following words: "It's a dream. I can't believe it. I have been wearing the National Team jersey since 2005. We've had so much joy. We have achieved truly amazing success. I’m very proud of my teammates. We have made history. It's very difficult for me to explain my feelings right now. Vargas is not only an excellent player but also an excellent person. She has always shown that she is one of us. Everyone has done an excellent job here."
Most valuable player Melisa Vargas
After the final match, the 'best' of the tournament was also announced. Melisa Vargas of Turkey was the winner of the "Most Valuable Player" and "Best Passer Cross" awards in the Nations League, while Zehra Güneş was named "Best Middle Player" and Gizem Örge was named "Best Libero".
