Sesc RJ Flamengo showed once again why they are the team to beat in the Brazilian Superliga, delivering a confident 3–0 victory over Paulistano Barueri in Barueri. The straight-sets win, sealed by scores of 25–17, 25–15 and 25–17, marked the opening round of the second half of the season.
Led by head coach Bernardinho, the Rio de Janeiro side remain unbeaten after 12 matches, having dropped only seven sets so far. The numbers reflect a campaign built on consistency and control, with two-thirds of their victories coming without conceding a single set.
Sesc RJ Flamengo’s grip on first place tightened further after second-ranked Gerdau Minas suffered a surprise loss earlier in the week. The league leaders now sit four points clear at the top with 33 points. Barueri, meanwhile, slipped one place in the standings and now occupy ninth position.
Even without middle blocker Masa Kirov, sidelined by a minor hand injury, the visitors never lost their rhythm. American outside hitter Simone Lee was the standout performer, finishing with a match-high 19 points. Tainara Santos contributed 11 points and was named the match MVP. For Barueri, opposite Jheovana Emanuele – Jheo led the scoring with 11.