Turkey: Arkas Falls to Halkbank in Turkish Cup Final

Halkbank Ankara captured their third-straight Turkish Cup this weekend after a 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-22) win over Arkas Izmir in the finals on Sunday. 

Arkas, led by Coach Glenn Hoag (Gatineau, Qc) and Gavin Schmitt (Saskatoon, Sk) were unable to hand Halkbank their first loss on Turkish soil this year, missing Gord Perring (Creston, BC) who is out with a knee injury. Schmitt led Arkas with 14 points in the match, while Cuban legend Leonel Marshall added another 10. 

Arkas defeated Ziraat Bankas 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-23) the day before to reach the finals. Schmitt led all attackers with 21 points. 

Gearing Up for Playoffs

Despite their loss in the Cup, Arkas must rebound for the start of the Turkish league playoffs. After finishing the regular season in second-place, they will take on seventh-place finishers Maliye Piyango in the first round. Series starts on Friday April 3rd with the second on Monday April 6th.

Arkas last captured the Turkish League trophy in the 2012-2013 season.