Brayelin stands out in Brazil
CAMPO GRANDE, Brazil, November 10, 2020 – If Fernanda Garay was
Dentil Praia Clube’s best player in their victory in the Trofeu
Volei Brasil last weekend, this Friday it was up to the team’s
international stars to step up and take the club to glory in the
Brazilian Supercup.
Dominican opposite Brayelin Martinez and Dutch outside hitter
Anne Buijs both had strong performances for the Uberlandia-based
team in its 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18) victory over SESC
Flamengo in Campo Grande in the match that reunited the last
winner of the country’s Superliga and the reigning Brazilian Cup
champions.
Martinez, who’s in her second season with the Brazilian club,
added 18 points for Praia, while the recently-signed Buijs, who
faced her former club in the match, scored 16 in her team’s
victory.
“We had our ups and downs, but the most important thing was that
we played as a team,” setter Claudinha Bueno said. “When one of
us was down, the others got into the game and that’s how we
managed to win the match. The season is just starting and we
know there are still plenty of challenges ahead of us, but
matches like this make us feel we’re ready for whatever comes
our way.”
The rematch of last Saturday’s Trofeu Volei Brasil final gave
Praia their third-straight Supercup victory. The tournament was
played for the sixth time - SESC Flamengo won the first three
editions.
Now, the team that ranked sixth in last year’s FIVB Volleyball
Women’s Club World Championship is ready to compete for the
national Superliga title.
“We have improved a lot since the season started with the
Mineiro Championship,” said Beijing 2008 Olympic champion and
Praia captain Walewska Oliveira. “To see how fast our chemistry
has improved and how we have evolved as a team is exciting, but
we don’t have a lot of time to celebrate as the Superliga is
right around the corner and we need to keep the same rhythm.”
Both teams now turn their focus to the start of the 2020-2021
Brazilian Superliga. Praia and SESC Flamengo both debut in the
tournament on November 10, against Sao Jose dos Pinhais and
Brasilia Volei respectively. |