With the victory, Cruzeiro got to 41 points (13 wins, three losses). Their presence in the playoffs was confirmed on Monday, when ninth-placed SESI Bauru, who are the first team outside the qualification zone, defeated second-placed Praia Clube 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 15-12). With 22 points and only six matches left, they can no longer catch the defending champions.
One of three Cruzeiro players to end the match with nine points, Olympic champion middle blocker Lucas Saatkamp received the match's MVP award - outside hitter Douglas Souza and fellow middle blocker Otávio Pinto were the others. Outside hitter Rodrigo 'Rodriguinho' Leão led the team with 14 (ten kills, three blocks, one ace).
"I think that today we were more consistent on the court," Lucas said. "We had too many ups and downs against Minas and could never get on a rhythm. We had been very consistent in the first half of the season and are looking to get back to that, because it's something very important for our team."
