Ankara, Turkey, August 13, 2015 - The last game of the second day at the FIVB Volleyball Women's U23 World Championship was played between two strong sides, Turkey and Italy in the Pool A where the hosts won 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22).
Hande Baladin and Kübra Akman shared a whopping 33 points in contributing to Turkey’s score by non-stop attacks when they clashed with Italy. Italy’s Anna Danesi and Elisa Zanette responded with 13 points each.
Turkey started off with powerful attacks, crushing Italy’s defence with vigorous spikes entering technical timeout 8-4 ahead. Turkey continued in stretching the margin with powerful attacks and with the support of the fans, Turkey flattened the defence wrapping up at 25-15.
Both teams started off extremely tense and tight (4-4) until Italy started blocking better eventually preventing Turkey to catch-up entering 13-16 ahead at second technical pause. Italy remained its strength in blocking out Turkey, but with a spike by Meliha they have managed to trail only by one point (19-20). Italy was quick to react and forming better counter attacks winning their first set by 22-25.
The host team started off well and was leading 8-4 when entering technical timeout. Italy’s defence couldn't hold on to Turkey’s offensive actions, most scorer Hande Baladin and Meliha İsmailoğlu’s bitter serves prevented Italy to make a comeback (18-13).
A double block by Kubra and Meliha brought the one point Turkey needed and won the set at 25-18.
Italy started off strong in the fourth set with points scored by Danessi and Zannetti, Turkey answered back with Meliha (7-7). A double block by Bonifacio and Danesi assisted Italy to lead by three (12-9).
Italy didn't let Turkey get near and led at 16-13 at the second technical pause. Turkey’s attack by Ozge equalized the score at 16-all. In the late stages in the set, Turkey led by two later winning the match at 25-22.
Hande Baladin was the best player for the Turkish side scoring 18 points. Italian Zanetti and Danesi displayed a solid performance.