Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul ignited the 2025-26 season by sweeping the Sardegna Volleyball Challenge in Oristano, Italy, from September 24-26, capping it with a 3-0 finals rout of UYBA Volley Busto Arsizio (25-23, 25-18, 26-24).
After a runner-up finish in the 2024-25 Sultanlar Ligi, the Yellow and Blues are primed to dethrone VakıfBank, their revamped roster clicking with lethal precision.
Summer signings Alessia Orro, Hande Baladın, and Agnieszka Korneluk integrated seamlessly, driving a 50% attack efficiency. Italian setter Orro, a World Championship MVP, fueled quick transitions at sold-out Oristano arena, syncing with Best Opposite Melissa Vargas and MVP Arina Fedorovtseva (15 kills vs. Panionios).
Baladın, the ex-Eczacıbaşı star (Best Spiker), unleashed 100 km/h spikes, while Polish middle Korneluk, a Poland's Tauron Liga MVP, fortified the net with Eda Erdem (Best Captain).
Coach Marcello Abbondanza praised the squad’s “instant chemistry.” Sweeping four of five Sardinian awards, Fenerbahçe signals depth and hunger for Sultanlar Ligi and CEV Champions League glory.
Photos: Fenerbahçe
