Diouf (far right) was the difference maker with 17 points
Ankara, Turkey, June 25 2016 – Valentina Diouf scored 17 points, including three aces, as Italy won their second game in Ankara with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-17) victory over hosts Turkey in pool G1 of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix.
The side may be almost out of contention for a place in the Finals, but they proved that nobody should underestimate their scoring prowess, especially with young sensation Paola Egonu remaining on the bench.
Turkey failed to gain revenge for their loss to the same side at the Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan earlier this year, the very victory which saw the Italians earn their Rio berth.
Both teams came out firing in the opening set with the focus solely on attack. Turkey took an 8-7 in the first technical time-out, but simple mistakes from both sides saw Italy edge ahead on 16-15. However, some aggressive attacking play from Turkey saw them take first blood.
The two sides continued their enthusiastic play in the second, with the hosts holding narrow 8-7 advantage at the first technical timeout. Italy's defense came into the fold however, forcing Turkish mistakes, which cost the home side the set.
That Italian focus was carried into the third, with Turkey continuing to increase the error count, gifting Italy a 2-1 lead as they went into the fourth.
It was pure implosion from the Turks in the fourth, as their offensive game disintegrated, making it easy for the Italians to run away with the simple win.