VakifBank qualify for women's world championship semifinals in volleyball

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish volleyball team VakifBank on Friday beat Brazilian opponents Minas 3-0 to qualify for the semifinals in the 2021 FIVB Women's Club World Championship.

VakifBank won the game in Ankara 25-18, 25-17 and 25-18.

The Istanbul club won the Pool B to proceed to the knockout stage in the tournament.

Swedish opposite Isabelle Haak scored 18 points for the winning side.

Zehra Gunes racked up 14 points for VakifBank.

Brazilian outside spiker Gabriela Braga Guimaraes produced 12 points for the winners.

Minas' Turkish outside hitter Neriman Ozsoy scored 11 points for the losing side.

Ozsoy was the only Minas player scoring in double digits.

Despite the loss, Minas completed the Pool B in second position to go to the semifinals.

This year's Women's Club World Championship will see an all-Turkish semis as Istanbul's VakifBank will play against city rivals Fenerbahce Opet on Saturday.

The match in Ankara will start at 1530GMT.

In the other semifinal match, Italy's Prosecco Doc Imoco Volley will take on Minas on the same day at 1200GMT.

The third-place playoff and final will be held on Sunday.