Fabiana wins first title with Osasco 

It didn’t take long for Fabiana Claudino to earn a place at the top of a podium after returning to the courts. On Tuesday, the two-time Olympic champion helped Osasco Sao Cristovao Saude win the Paulista Championship for the 16th time.

The winners of the 2012 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship remained dominant at the state level after they defeated Barueri Volleyball Club in straight sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-17) in the second leg of the final series of the tournament at the Jose Correa Stadium in Osasco.

“To be back on the court after more than a year and win a title is amazing,” Fabiana reacted. “I’ll give this medal to my son, Asaf. That victory is for him. We still have a lot to improve as a team but are headed in the right direction and we’ll be ready for the Superliga.”

The match featured a handful of former Brazilian national team members who play for Osasco, most notably Fabiana, Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Camila Brait and veteran setter Josefa Fabiola. Their opponents were coached by legendary Brazil head coach Jose ‘Ze Roberto’ Guimaraes. Osasco’s head coach, Luizomar de Moura coached Kenya at the Tokyo Games.

The top scorer of the gold medal match was Osasco opposite Tiffany Abreu, who scored 17 points. Outside hitters Michelle Pavao and Carla Santos added 14 and ten, respectively, while middle blockers Rachael Adams and Fabiana contributed with eight and five.

“We knew this wouldn’t be an easy tournament,” Brait said. “But we worked hard and played as a team. We’ve been helping each other during the entire tournament and we need to keep this spirit for the Superliga.”

The Brazilian Superliga is the next tournament for both teams, who will begin their campaigns at the end of the month. Barueri will face Curitiba Volei on October 29 while Osasco take on Fluminense the following day.