Taubate vs. Cruzeiro
The fourth-seed EMS Taubaté Funvic took a 2-0 lead in the series of the Brazilian men’s volleyball championship Superliga 2017/2018 playoff semifinals against No.1 and also titleholders Sada Cruzeiro. Furthermore, the side coached by an Argentinean Daniel Castellani beat the giants of the world volleyball in straight sets in Game 2, at home, which happens to Cruzeiro… well, almost never. It was partially 25-21, 25-22, and 25-23.
Taubaté now came to only one victory from advancing to their second consecutive playoff finals. We can put this differently – Cruzeiro need to win the next three games to go to the finals!
Wallace Souza scored 26 points (2 aces, 3 kill blocks) for Taubaté. The middle blocker duo Isac Santos – Robertlandy Simón stood out in Cruzeiro, which says quite enough on the play of the team from Minas Gerais state. Isac topped Cruzeiro with 12 points, while the Cuban made 80% attack (8/10, blocked once) and added 11 points.
No.3 Sesi-SP upset No.2 Sesc-RJ once again and, just like Taubaté, scored another win in the series – 2-0. The São Paulo team won a close Game 2 by a 3-0 (29-27, 25-22, 26-24).
Alan Souza was the best scorer on the winning team with 13 points. Lucas Saatkamp “Lucão” recorded 77% attack (10/13). Paulo Silva scored 20 points for Sesc, while Tiago Brendle made 74% reception (31 digs, 3 errors, 42% excellent).
Game 3 in both semifinals is scheduled for April 14 at home courts of the higher seeded sides.
To see complete results, stats, and standings, visit our BRA National Championship 2017/2018 / Male / Seniors page.
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