SHAOXING, China, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkish powerhouses VakifBank Istanbul and Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul were joined by Brazil's Minas Tenis Clube and Praia Clube in progressing to the semifinals at the FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship 2018 here on Wednesday.
Reigning champions VakifBank continued their momentum in the second group match, where they beat France's Volero Le Gannet 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-17) to claim their second straight-sets victory and ranked the first place in Pool A with six points.
"We defended very well, we played against a very good team, we have to fight for every point," VakifBank's head coach Giovanni Guidetti said. "Today's team was more physical and much higher in their blocking. They were stronger and more powerful. It was more difficult [than yesterday's game]."
Chinese star Zhu Ting scored a game-high 23 points for VakifBank, including 20 from spikes and 3 from blocks. Turkish international Ebrar Karakurt and Kelsey Robinson of the United States also reached double-digit figures with 16 and 12 points respectively.
The other qualifiers of Pool A were 2018 South American club champions Minas Tenis Clube, who defeated host team Zhejiang Women's Volleyball Club 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-10, 25-17) in the last match of the day.
Brazilian international Gabriela Braga Guimaraes delivered a stunning performance on the court, scoring a game-high 28 points coming from 24 spikes, two blocks, and two services.
In the actions of Pool B, World Championships MVP Tijana Boskovic scored 16 points to power the CEV Cup winners Eczacibasi Vitra to their second victory, beating Thailand's Supreme Chonburi 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-17) to qualify. South Korean spiker Kim Yeon Koung added 13 while Supreme's Wipawee Srithong led the Thai side with 11 points.
Eczacibasi produced impressive attacking power from the service line, winning nine points from service.
"We played a great game today. We served very well and blocked well. I am happy and satisfied with the performance of the team." Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul coach Marco Aurelio Motta said.
In Pool B earlier in the day, Praia Clube cruised past Altay Volleyball Club from Kazakhstan, beating them 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-17) to earn a spot in the knockout stages. Praia Clube's Nicole Fawcett scored 18 points to lead her team to their second group win.
"We had a good performance today. The players were very focused on applying a good tactical system in the match. We had a good serve. Our defense system worked well, our blockers gave their best attackers some trouble." Praia Clube coach Paulo Barros Junior concluded after the game. Enditem
