Brazil announce roster for VNL opening week

The 14 players that will be a part of the Brazilian women’s national team squad for the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League 2023 were announced by head coach José ‘Zé Roberto’ Guimarães ahead of the team’s trip to Japan on Sunday.

The Brazilian roster will feature three Tokyo Olympic silver medallists in setter Macris Carneiro, middle blocker Ana Carolina ‘Carol’ da Silva and outside hitter Ana Cristina Souza for the first week of competition in 2023, in Japan.

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Besides the three players, will also make the trip to Japan setter Naiane Rios, opposites Kisy Nascimento and Lorrayna da Silva, outside hitters Julia Bergmann, Tainara Santos and Maiara Basso, middle blockers Lara Nobre, Lorena Viezel and Diana Alecrim and liberos Natália ‘Natinha’ Araújo and Laís Vasques.

Brazil will arrive in Nagoya more than a week before its VNL debut, against China, on May 30, and will use the time in the Japanese city to adjust to the time difference and finalize their preparation. The South Americans will also face the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic and Croatia in the opening week of the VNL.

“In this first week, we’re going to have a younger roster,” Zé Roberto explained. “These are players who have been with the national team in the past for the most part, but who still need to be tested and to get more experience. We’re going to play against some strong opponents in Japan and we expect good performances. We’re all excited to get the season started.”

Brazil, who will be looking for their first VNL title after taking silver in the last three editions of the tournament, are expected to significantly strengthen their roster during the VNL with veterans such as outside hitters Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimaraes and Rosamaria Montibeller, middle blocker Thaisa Menezes and setter Roberta Ratzke joining the team.

“We’re in touch with every player that’s been called up,” Zé Roberto added. “Rosamaria is currently treating an injury in her abdomen. Roberta and Pri Daroit will be evaluated when they arrive and Thaisa, Lorenne (Teixeira, opposite) and Nyeme (Costa, libero) have just ended their club seasons and will have a few days off before they start training with us.”

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