VakifBank Women 3–0 Novara Women: Bronze Medal Pride in the 2019 Club World Championship

VakifBank Women closed out their 2019 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship campaign in style, sweeping Novara Women 3–0 on December 8 in Shaoxing, China. The result secured the bronze medal for the Turkish powerhouse and added another chapter to their long rivalry with the Italian side.

Match Overview

Coming off a draining five-set semifinal against Imoco Conegliano, VakifBank showed no signs of fatigue. Their block-defense system was suffocating from the first whistle, while Novara struggled to find rhythm against the heavy serving of the Istanbul side. By the time the third set closed, VakifBank had complete control, turning what could have been a consolation match into a statement of depth and championship mentality.

Key Moments

• First-set breakaway: VakifBank used a 6–1 run at the midpoint to pull away, with middle blockers dominating the net.
• Second-set resilience: Novara pushed early, but VakifBank’s defense forced repeated errors from the Italian attack.
• Closing dominance: A series of aces in the final set sealed the match and the bronze.

Standout Performers

VakifBank’s outside hitters and middle blockers were the difference, combining for double-digit kills and a high blocking total. The connection between setter and hitters was crisp, while Novara’s usually explosive offense was held far below its average. On the Novara side, the loss capped a tournament where they had beaten strong opposition but ultimately failed to convert key moments.

What It Means

The bronze medal was a fitting reward for VakifBank, who confirmed their status among the world’s elite clubs. For Novara, it was a disappointing finish after a semifinal run, but their campaign in the 2019 Club World Championship still showcased the depth of women’s club volleyball. With their head-to-head record adding another meeting, fans will hope to see these two European giants collide again on the biggest stage.