Ciudad win thriller to remain ahead in Argentina

Ciudad Voley entered the last match of the day of the Argentinean League on Thursday knowing that only a win would keep them at the top of the standings. The reigning Supercup champions had a rough start, but found the energy to recover and top Monteros Voley in five sets in Concepcion del Uruguay.

Coached by Hernan Ferraro, the manager who guided the Argentinean women’s national team at the Tokyo Olympics, Ciudad dropped the first two sets, but came back in great style to turn things around and defeat Monteros 3-2 (22-25, 23-25, 25-16, 25-19, 15-11) to hold on to first place in the league.

Chilean national team outside hitter Vicente Parraguirre had a tremendous performance, producing a match-high 29 points with 27 kills and two blocks. Brazilian opposite Rodrigo ‘Alemao’ Telles added 20, including the game-winning point, with 18 kills and two blocks, and received the Player of the Match award.

Monteros’ top scorers were opposite Lucas Frontini, with 19 points (18 kills, one block) and outside hitter Cristian Assaf, with 16, all in kills.

Despite the point dropped in the match, Ciudad were able to cause a tie with Policial Voley at the top of the standings with 32 points. The Supercup winners have reached that number of points in 13 matches (11 wins, two losses) while their rivals have already played 14 (11 wins, three losses). Eight-time Argentinean champions UPCN San Juan have decreased the gap at the top and are now just one point behind the leaders at 31 (11 wins, three losses). Once Unidos complete the top four.

The third round of the regular season in Concepcion del Uruguay continues with five matches on Friday and one on Saturday. The fourth and final round will take place from March 10-17 in Mar Del Plata.