Kobe, Japan, May 9, 2017 – Olesia Rykhliuk led Volero Zurich’s huge 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 26-24) upset on defending champions Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul in Pool B of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship at Green Kobe Arena on Tuesday.
Rykhliuk scored 16 points with 15 attack winners and an ace, while Tijana Boskovic of Eczacibasi made 17 point.
Volero Zurich took advantage of their solid blocking and attacking against their Turkish rivals, which led to solid finishes in the first two sets. Rykhliuk got help from team-mates Kenia Carcases Opon and Foluke Akinradewo, who scored 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
After the match, Volero Zurich coach Zoran Terzic said: “Eczacibasi is one of the most powerful teams in the world. They are like a dream team. You can’t have just one tactic or game plan when you play against them, so we prepared well. Our block and attack were very good today. I just think that we can play better if we are more focused and relaxed.”
“This was a very important win for us. I hope we will continue to play like this. Our service was good. I hope we can play better in the next match.” he added.
Volero Zurich captain Natalya Mammadova: “I congratulate my team for the victory. It was a good start for us. We are happy to play with the strongest teams in the world.”
Volero player Olesia Rykhliuk: “We are happy to start the competition with a win. I hope we can continue like this.” And about her float serve, she said: “My coach always tells us not to worry about making mistakes and to just try and serve 100 per cent.”
Eczacibisi coach Massimo Barbolini: “They played better at the crucial moments both in the middle and end of each set. We have to wake up. If we don’t win then we are out of the tournament. We only fought at the end of the third set.”
Eczacibisi captain Neslihan Demir: “Volero Zurich played very well today. We did not play our best obviously. It’s a long tournament; we have to win every game now to be the champions again. I believe in my team.”
On the second day of match, Volero Zurich will face NEC Red Rockets (Japan) while Eczacibaci will play against Osasco Voleibol Clube from Brazil.
Source and Photo: FIVB
