12/03/2016 19:10
Galatasaray stamp second 3-0 win to secure spot in CEV Cup finals
2016 CEV Volleyball Cup - Women
Istanbul, Turkey, March 12, 2016. Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL of Turkey claimed on Saturday a spot in the final of the 2016 CEV Volleyball Cup – Women following their second consecutive straight-sets victory over Germany’s SCHWERINER SC in only five days. After cruising to a compelling 3-0 win on Tuesday, Galatasaray Daikin used the home advantage to record another victory in three sets (30-28, 25-20, 25-23) to get the right to challenge 2015 gold medallists Dinamo KRASNODAR of Russia for the crown of Europe’s second most prestigious club competition. Back in 2012 Galatasaray had settled for the silver medal after losing to Italy’s Yamamay BUSTO ARSIZIO in the final. The final matches will be played on March 29 and April 2, 2016.
After their 3-0 victory in Germany on March 8, Galatasaray Daikin were seen as the heavy favourites of the re-match to played in Istanbul. However, SCHWERINER SC performed a lot better, especially in defence, than they had done only a few days ago and in the opening set they managed to put a lot of pressure on the hosts. Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL, on the other hand, seemed to lack quality, especially at serving, and as a result they had to chase their opponent for most of the time. The Turks came back from 19-15 for their opponents and closed in after a few aces in a row scored by their Belgian-born outside spiker Charlotte Leys. After that, both teams sided out successfully and a close race continued up until Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL pulled out a dramatic 30-28 set win.
Though SCHWERINER SC played with a lot of courage and determination also in the second set, the hosts got back control of the game after levelling the score at 10-all. With Cursty Jackson’s aces, Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL edged ahead at 18-14 and after that they did not allow their opponent to recover from this blast and won the second set 25-20 to secure their spot in this year’s CEV Volleyball Cup Finals. Though it did not matter at all, Galatasaray went on to win also the third set (25-23) to confirm their supremacy and seal a second 3-0 win in only five days.
Ataman Güneyligil, head coach of Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL, said: “We did not start the match the way we expected and had hoped for; when performing at this level you must always show respect towards your opponent. After we came from behind and eventually claimed the opening set, we managed to keep our focus and to win the match. We are happy and delighted to be at this stage of this important competition. As for the finals, we will do our best. You never know what the finals may bring; the atmosphere is always different.”
Felix Koslowski, the coach of SCHWERINER SC, commented: “I think the right team qualified for the finals, as Galatasaray played a really good game. I was upset after losing so badly the first leg we played in Germany. We could not play the way we wanted, and this applies to both our defence and offensive game. Today I am sad because we are now out of this prestigious competition but I am glad to see and state that we improved our game and we made a few steps forward.”
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