In the fast-paced and high-intensity world of women’s volleyball, having a strong blocking presence at the net can be a game-changer. The 2023 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League showcased some exceptional blockers who exhibited outstanding defensive skills, denying opponents’ attacks and turning the tide in favor of their teams. Let’s explore the top 10 best blockers of the VNL 2023 and the stats that set them apart:
Top 10 Best Blockers at Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2023
1. Agnieszka Korneluk (Poland) – Shirt Number 5
- Blocks: 48
- Errors: 75
- Rebounds: 77
- Average Per Match: 3.20
- Efficiency %: -13.50
- Total: 200
Agnieszka Korneluk of Poland displayed incredible blocking prowess, leading the pack with 48 blocks in the tournament. Her average of 3.20 blocks per match was exceptional, providing a formidable obstacle for opposing hitters. Despite facing some challenges, Korneluk demonstrated her defensive tenacity and helped her team with a total of 200 points from blocks.
2. Zehra Gunes (Turkey) – Shirt Number 18
- Blocks: 45
- Errors: 43
- Rebounds: 54
- Average Per Match: 3.00
- Efficiency %: 1.41
- Total: 142
Zehra Gunes from Turkey proved to be a reliable and efficient blocker during the 2023 VNL. With 45 blocks, she showcased her ability to read the game and make timely stops at the net. Gunes’ impressive efficiency rate of 1.41% further highlights her defensive prowess, making her a key asset for Turkey.
3. Eda Erdem Dündar (Turkey) – Shirt Number 14
- Blocks: 42
- Errors: 65
- Rebounds: 96
- Average Per Match: 2.80
- Efficiency %: -11.33
- Total: 203
Eda Erdem Dündar, also representing Turkey, proved her defensive skills with 42 blocks in the tournament. Despite facing challenges, Erdem Dündar displayed her resilience and ability to make crucial stops at the net. Her total of 203 points from blocks underlines her importance in Turkey’s defensive strategies.
4. Xinyue Yuan (China) – Shirt Number 1
- Blocks: 40
- Errors: 66
- Rebounds: 61
- Average Per Match: 2.67
- Efficiency %: -15.57
- Total: 167
China’s Xinyue Yuan demonstrated her blocking abilities with 40 successful blocks in the 2023 VNL. Despite some errors, Yuan’s average of 2.67 blocks per match highlights her impact at the net. Her defensive contributions earned her a total of 167 points from blocks during the tournament.
5. Mira Todorova (Bulgaria) – Shirt Number 10
- Blocks: 39
- Errors: 35
- Rebounds: 45
- Average Per Match: 3.25
- Efficiency %: 3.36
- Total: 119
Mira Todorova of Bulgaria showcased her skill as a blocker with 39 successful blocks. Her impressive efficiency rate of 3.36% underscored her ability to make crucial stops at the net. With an average of 3.25 blocks per match, Todorova played a vital role in Bulgaria’s defensive strategies.
6. Camilla Weitzel (Germany) – Shirt Number 21
- Blocks: 35
- Errors: 59
- Rebounds: 90
- Average Per Match: 2.69
- Efficiency %: -13.04
- Total: 184
Camilla Weitzel represented Germany and proved herself as a strong blocker with 35 successful blocks. Her total of 184 points from blocks highlights her contributions to Germany’s defensive efforts. Weitzel’s resilience and ability to make timely stops at the net made her a valuable asset for the team.
7. Jineiry Martinez (Dominican Republic) – Shirt Number 21
- Blocks: 35
- Errors: 45
- Rebounds: 82
- Average Per Match: 2.92
- Efficiency %: -6.17
- Total: 162
Jineiry Martinez from the Dominican Republic showcased her blocking skills with 35 successful blocks in the 2023 VNL. Despite facing some challenges, Martinez displayed her defensive prowess with an average of 2.92 blocks per match, contributing significantly to her team’s success.
8. Emily Maglio (Canada) – Shirt Number 19
- Blocks: 35
- Errors: 49
- Rebounds: 75
- Average Per Match: 2.92
- Efficiency %: -8.81
- Total: 159
Emily Maglio represented Canada and demonstrated her blocking abilities with 35 successful blocks in the tournament. Despite some errors, Maglio’s average of 2.92 blocks per match showcased her impact at the net. Her defensive contributions were crucial for Canada during the VNL.
9. Ana Carolina Da Silva (Brazil) – Shirt Number 15
- Blocks: 34
- Errors: 46
- Rebounds: 45
- Average Per Match: 2.62
- Efficiency %: -9.60
- Total: 125
Ana Carolina Da Silva, representing Brazil, displayed her blocking prowess with 34 successful blocks in the 2023 VNL. Despite facing some challenges, Da Silva’s average of 2.62 blocks per match highlighted her impact at the net. Her defensive contributions were vital for Brazil throughout the tournament.
10. Sylvia Chinelo Nwakalor (Italy) – Shirt Number 15
- Blocks: 33
- Errors: 34
- Rebounds: 37
- Average Per Match: 2.54
- Efficiency %: -0.96
- Total: 104
Sylvia Chinelo Nwakalor of Italy demonstrated her blocking abilities with 33 successful blocks. Her efficiency rate of -0.96% showcases her determination to challenge opponents at the net. With an average of 2.54 blocks per match, Nwakalor played a significant role in Italy’s defensive strategies.
These exceptional blockers left their mark on the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League with their defensive prowess and skillful presence at the net. Their ability to read the game, anticipate opponents’ attacks, and execute timely blocks contributed significantly to their teams’ success during the tournament. As fans look forward to future editions of the VNL, these players will undoubtedly continue to be forces to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. (source)
