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.