Lausanne, Switzerland, May 12, 2019 - Funvic Taubate claimed the first Brazil Superleague title in the club's history on Saturday night after an epic win over Sesi Sao Paulo 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20) in the fifth and last match of the best-of-five series.
Led by season MVP Ricardo Lucarelli and final series MVP Leandro Vissotto who scored 19 points on the night, Taubate wrapped up the season in Brazil against the odds. Their only previous successes had been Brazil Cup titles in 2015 and 2017. They dethrone Sada Cruzeiro of Contagem, who after five consecutive championships finished third this year.
"We could hardly have been considered as title contenders after the highs and lows we've experienced throughout the season," said 27-year-old Lucarelli, who came back from injury to celebrate the title and his personal individual award. "And being crowned with that title is very good. The team deserves a lot, struggled a lot, went through a lot of bad times, we bled a lot on the court so we can enjoy this day with this title."
Taubate were coached by Renan dal Zotto, who will now guide Brazil's national team for their FIVB obligations, starting with the 2019 Volleyball Nations League which begins on May 31.
2019 Brazil Superleague Dream Team:
• Setter: William Arjona (Sesi Sao Paulo)
• Opposite: Alan Souza (Sesi Sao Paulo)
• Outside hitters: Ricardo Lucarelli (Funvic Taubate) & Lucas Loh (Sesi Sao Paulo)
• Middle blockers: Lucas Saatkamp (Funvic Taubate) & Eder Carbonera (Sesi Sao Paulo)
• Libero: Thales Hoss (Funvic Taubate)
• MVP: Leandro Vissotto (Funvic Taubate)
Quick links - Volleyball:
FIVB.com - Volleyball Nations League
FIVB.com - Volleyball
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram