Maurico Lima
That was just one of the great performances in Mauricio’s professional career. The former player, who this year entered the Volleyball Hall of Fame, said this was one of his most treasured memories.
Today, the former star is director of public relations for volleyball team Medley/Campinas (SP). Mauricio says this year’s edition of the men’s Superliga looks like it will be a close one, but he gives a slight advantage to three teams.
“If I had to bet, I would consider RJX (RJ) and Sesi-SP, alongside Sada Cruzeiro (MG), which remained the basis of the last editions, the favorites in this Superliga. Medley/Campinas could also surprise everyone. Nevertheless, this competition will, once again, be very balanced,” said the double Olympic champion.
With the new season started, Mauricio was asked his opinion of the teams and to reflect on his own time in the Superliga. This is what prompted him to bring up 2002 final.
“I have a great respect for all the titles, but the victory over Banespa in the third game of the final series was amazing. The last game fell on a weekday, but the fans still showed up in droves. The arena was crowded with almost 18,000 people. The match went into the tiebreak and we won by just two points.”
With the victory over São Paulo, the miners achieved an unprecedented third championship in a row. Mauricio was a part of all of them, and even won yet another title with Olympikus/Telesp (SP) in 1995/1996.
Mauricio also won three titles in the Brazilian Championship (the forerunner to the Superliga) with Banespa, in 1989/1990, 1990/1991 and 1991/1992.
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