Brazil saw off Argentina in straight sets to claim the Junior Women's South American crown on Sunday and earn a berth at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U23 World Championship
Barrancabermeja, Colombia, October 5, 2014 – Brazil booked their place at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U23 World Championship on Sunday after they clinched the Junior Women’s South American Championship in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, finishing undefeated and losing just one set throughout the competition.
The side ended their campaign with a straight sets (25-14, 25-22, 25-18) victory over Argentina with star spiker Drussyla named MVP.
Argentina failed to deal with Brazil’s blocking (7-3) and spiking (23-9) game and were resigned to their second defeat of the tournament. It also meant they dropped a place to finish third behind Peru.
"We are very happy we won this new title as we did not win on the Youth's,” Brazil’s Lorenne said. “We played well as a team and therefore we did not only obtain the title but also qualification for the World Championships."
Argentina’s Irene Verasio was keen to focus on the experience her side gained despite the loss.
"We fought all the time, even against the strong team of Brazil, considering this was our "real" final match,” Verasio, who was named best wing spiker, said. “We must keep training and working towards a better reception and digging to grow on the Pan-American Cup, our next challenge.”
Peru took silver following a thrilling 3-2 (25-20, 26-24, 17-25, 19-25, 16-14) win over the hosts in the day’s other match with both teams putting on a fascinating battle.
Captain Nicole Abreu couldn’t hide her disappointment despite edging a narrow win.
"Maybe we feel bad because we did not fulfil our goal but we played well at different moments,” she said. “We must keep training for the Pan-American Cup without losing the chance of growing match after match. For us to play against other international teams is a great experience.”
Colombia’s Amanda Coneo was upbeat following the loss and thanked the home fans for their support.
"We improved our playing along the competition and that is very important for us,” she said. “We keep together playing as a better team and with the support of our coach and our home fans. It was very good to play at home in front of so many people and we are thankful for this chance.”
Final Ranking:
1. Brazil (12 pts)
2. Peru (8 pts)
3. Argentina (5 pts)
4. Chile (3 pts)
5. Colombia (2 pts)
Individual awards
MVP: Drussyla (Brazil)
Best spiker: Thais de Oliveira (Brazil)
Best opposite player: Magui Frías (Peru)
Best middle spiker: Layza Ferreira (Brazil)
Best middle player: Andrea Urrutia (Peru)
Best wing spiker: Irene Verasio (Argentina)
Best wing spiker: Amanda Coneo (Colombia)
Best libero: Lais Bitentout (Brazil)