Brazil claim 23rd South American title

Brazil extended their supremacy at the continental level for another year as the Tokyo Olympic silver medalists claimed their 23^rd Women’s South American Championship title this week in front of their home fans in Recife.

The Brazilians won all four matches they played over the week and didn’t drop a single set on their way to claiming the continental title for a 14th straight time. The fourth and final triumph happened on Wednesday, when they swept (25-19, 25-22, 25-19) Colombia with 13 points from star middle blocker Thaisa Menezes.

“I felt that the team improved after every match,” team captain and outside hitter Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães commented. “The fans were incredible and we fed from their energy on the court. Our goal was to claim the South American title and it was great to see the team’s progress over the week. We still have a long way to go, but are headed in the right direction.”

Gabi was selected for the tournament’s Dream Team and was awarded as the Most Valuable Player, but handed the trophy to setter Roberta Ratzke, who also made it to the event’s ideal lineup. Completed the selections opposite Kisy Nascimento (Brazil), outside hitter Amanda Coneo (Colombia), middle blockers Thaisa (Brazil) and Candelaria Herrera (Argentina) and libero Nyeme Costa (Brazil).

Argentina finished second with three wins, followed by Colombia, with two, Chile, with one, and Peru, who didn’t get to triumph in any of their matches in Recife.

The tournament provided Brazil with the last opportunity of playing official matches before the Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier. The South Americans are in Pool B and will compete with hosts Japan, Türkiye, Belgium, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Peru for two spots at next year’s Games from September 16-24.

“It was really important for us to win the South American Championship in front of our fans again after 14 years,” head coach José ‘Zé Roberto’ Guimarães reflected. “It was an important step in our preparation for the Olympic Qualifier. We tried to find new alternatives for the team and to give all players some match rhythm as we’ll need all of them in Japan.”