The three-set victory over Joinville made Praia pass Campinas for second place, getting to 35 points (13 wins, two losses) - their rivals have 33 (11 wins, four losses). The triumph also helped them close the gap to leaders Cruzeiro, who have 38 (12 wins, three losses) and are now only three points ahead.
Opposite Franco Paese was the top scorer in Praia's victory, registering 17 points (16 kills, one block) - outside hitter Paulo Vinicios Silva followed with 12 (ten kills, one block, one ace). The match's MVP award went to libero Filipe 'Filipinho' Stolberg, who delivered 11 passes and produced 18 digs.
"The second round of the regular season has been extremely competitive," Filipinho said. "I see every team playing closer to their best level, and we understand that dropping a point can be way too costly. Some of the top teams in the standings lost their matches, and we get on the court in every match determined to take all three points. We're improving, and I'm looking forward to what's next."
Joinville's outside hitter Guilherme Amorim matched Franco's production, ending the match with 15 kills and two blocks to his name.
