2017 WOMEN’S U23 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
- September 10-17
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Teams and Rosters
- Schedule
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Semifinals
- Finals
Turkey and Slovenia dominated FIVB’s Dream Team awards. Three players from the silver medalist hosts Slovenia were picked, while two Turkish gold medalist were also chosen. Bulgaria, the bronze medalist, rounded off the team with one selection.
MVP
Hande Baladin was named the most valuable player and one of the two Best Outside Hitters of the tournament. She totaled 91 points during the course of the seven matches to earn Turkey’s first ever U23 world championship gold medal in its history. Baladin is already known to the volleyball world, as she is building a respectable club career
with Eczacıbaşı Vitra, with which she won the gold medal at the 2016 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship.
“I am overwhelmed with joy, I can’t believe it. I am proud of myself and proud of my team. It is the first time in my career I receive such an important award. During yesterday’s semifinal and today’s gold medal clash, I felt much pressure on my shoulders. However, I always gave my best throughout the tournament. That’s what counts in the end.”
Courtesy of FIVB
Best Outside Hitters
Joining Baladin is Dominican Republic’s Madeline Guillen. This is her second dream team of the year, as she was also picked for a spot in FIVB’s Girls U20 World Championship. She has no question a brilliant future, under the tutelage of coach Marcos Kwiek in the senior national team.
Courtesy of FIVB
Best Setter
Eva Mori was the ship captain that led the Slovenia’s Cinderella run to the silver medal. She played for Bergamo from 2014 to 2017 and won Italian Cup 2015/2016. For the 2016-2017 season, she will play for Beziers, of the French league.
Courtesy of FIVB
Best Middle Blockers
Turkey’s Beyza Arici spearheaded her squad’s defense all the way to a gold medal. She will develop even further now that she signed a deal with powerhouse Eczacıbaşı VitrA.
Courtesy of FIVB
Sasa Planinsec spearheaded Slovenia’s defense to a silver medal. She currently plays for Branik Maribor, of the Slovenian league.
Courtesy of FIVB
Best Libero
Bulgaria’s Zhana Todorova spearheaded her squad’s defense all the way to an unexpected bronze medal. She plays for Maritza Plovdiv of Bulgaria’s domestic league.
Courtesy of FIVB
Best Opposite
Iza Mlakar lead Slovenia’s surprising offense. She plays for Ok Nova Kbm Branyk in Slovenia’s domestic league.
Courtesy of FIVB
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