Turkey claimed their second Women's Volleyball Nations League title, coming from a set down to beat Brazil 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-21) in the final at the East Asian Games Dome in Macao, China.
Opposite hitter Melissa Vargas was the standout performer, scoring 33 points to power the Turkish comeback and earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. The 26-year-old was particularly devastating in the third set, tallying 11 points as Turkey edged a tight set 26-24 after Brazil had led 24-23.
Playing before 4,000 fans in Macao, head coach Daniele Santarelli masterminded his side's second VNL crown, adding to the title they won in 2023.
Brazil started strongly, taking the opening set 25-23 behind the attacking power of outside hitter Ana Cristina. Turkey responded emphatically, levelling the match in the second set when Hande Baladin produced a crucial block and Vargas finished the set 25-23.
The third proved decisive. After a see-saw battle that went to extra points, Vargas's relentless hitting was the difference as Ana Cristina sent an attack long to hand Turkey a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, Brazil fought back from 8-2 and 13-7 deficits and even took a 19-18 lead. But setter Elif Sahin's clever touch at the net sealed the set 25-21 and the championship.
It was a sixth silver medal for Brazil in the VNL - the South Americans are still searching for their first gold. Italy claimed the bronze, defeating China 3-1 on the same day.
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