Minas up to Superliga’s second place after win over Campinas

Brazilian giants Itambé Minas gained four spots in the Men’s Superliga standings with a single victory and ended the fifth leg of the regular season in second place.

The silver medalists of last year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship faced one of the top teams in the country, Vôlei Renata Campinas, and fed from the energy of their fans to secure a 3-1 (25-22, 16-25, 26-24, 25-22) victory on Monday in Belo Horizonte.

Select Brazilian Men’s and Women’s Superliga matches are available live for VBTV subscribers located in Brazil.

The result pushed Minas from sixth to second place in the standings, with 11 points (three wins, two losses). They trail league leaders Sada Cruzeiro, who have 16 points. Campinas, which dropped their last two matches and could also have moved up to second place with a victory, are now sixth, with eight points (three wins, two losses).

Backup setter Gustavo Orlando played a pivotal role in Minas’ victory. With Iranian national team setter Javad Karimisouchelmaei sidelined due to a back injury, the 22-year-old playmaker was inserted into the team’s starting lineup and responded with an MVP performance, taking home the trophy of player of the match.

“The team was very united and dedicated in order to secure this win,” he said. “I feel that we’re all ready to step up and deliver when needed and that makes us stronger. This trophy goes to my son Levi, who was born on Saturday, and my family.”

Outside hitter Paulo Vinicios Silva led Minas’ offense with a match-high 22 points (18 kills, two blocks, two aces). Opposite Aboubacar ‘Abouba’ Neto came off the bench to deliver 11, one more than middle blocker Kelvi Geovani.

Campinas had Brazilian national team players Adriano Xavier and Judson Nunes as their leading scorers with 13 points apiece. Argentinean star opposite Bruno Lima produced 12, while Brazilian Olympic champion outside hitter Mauricio Borges added another 11.

“I thought that we played really well in the third set, but at the end, we couldn’t close it,” setter and team captain Bruno Rezende reflected. “We missed an opportunity and in volleyball, that can change games. We lacked the confidence to win that set and that made us struggle after that. We opened the door to a talented opponent, who gained confidence and took control of the game.”

Campinas will be back on the court on Saturday, when they host Joinville Vôlei. Minas will have one more day to prepare to their Sunday match against Neurologia Ativa.

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