The Turkish women’s national volleyball team, nicknamed the “Sultans of the Net,” was in top form on Sunday as they faced off against the United States in the Volleyball Nations League in Arlington, Texas.
Featuring iconic players such as veteran captain Eda Erdem, Gizem Orge, Ebrar Karakurt, Elif Sahin, Cansu Ozbay, Hande Baladin and the ever-fierce Melissa Vargas, the Turkish team showed their mettle in a match that kept the fans glued to their seats.
With the addition of new faces such as Tuva Ivegin and Beyza Alici, Turkey have been dominant in their three previous second-leg matches, comfortably beating Germany, Serbia and South Korea.
However, manager Daniel Santarelli’s team selection drew criticism from fans and former players.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics looming, Santarelli sees the VNL as an important test of his players’ stamina, dexterity and tactical nous.
The match against the USA ended with the first set winning 25-21 for the Americans, but Turkey fought back to win the next two sets 25-20, 25-21.
The fourth set came as a shock to Turkish fans, with the Americans winning by a commanding 25-12 score.
But the final set was truly historic.
With the crucial score at 5-5, Vargas, nicknamed “Vargas Aviation” for his powerful serve, unleashed a ferocious serve that rocked Team USA’s defense.
The ensuing fightback was fierce, with Turkey’s triple defence and some fine saves from Ebrard Karakurt and libero Gizem Orge.
Without even looking, Vargas pulled off a perfect bump kill shot, dropping the ball precisely between the U.S. defense and the goal.
This miraculous point helped Turkey win the set 15-12 and the match 3-2.
Social media erupted in awe and disbelief.
“Get a physics professor to explain it to me, I can’t do it,” exclaimed one commentator.
Another joked: “I need to get my eyes fixed because I couldn’t believe what I saw.”
Veteran captain Eda Erdem was also stunned, holding her hands above her head in shock.
Moments like the one Vargas pointed out resonate throughout sports history.
They will become legends beyond wins and losses.
Turkiye’s journey in the VNL and the upcoming Olympics will be full of challenges, but her 30 seconds in Arlington will inspire future volleyball players.
In soccer-loving Turkey, a new slogan has emerged: “We are a volleyball nation.”
Now thousands of young girls aspire to pull on the crimson jersey of the Crescent Stars national team.
The strategic development of volleyball in Turkey began several years ago, with 2003 being a year of important achievements.
Pioneers like Ozlem Ozcelik, Neslihan Demir and Gülden Kayalar Kızbaşoglu paved the way for today’s stars.
As the nation proudly sings its national anthem at every game, the words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ring true: “Women of Turkey! You deserve not to crawl on the ground, but to be carried on people’s shoulders and lifted up into the sky!”
And these women are doing just that.
