Club world champions Sada Cruzeiro lift fifth Brazilian Supercup trophy

The 2022-2023 club season in Brazil started with Sada Cruzeiro Volei celebrating victory as the reigning world champions secured their fifth Brazilian Supercup title on Sunday, in front of over 7,500 fans in Recife.

The winners of the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship topped in-state rivals Itambe Minas in straight sets (25-19, 25-14, 25-18) with a dominating performance to triump in the eighth edition of the tournament.

Opposite Wallace de Souza, outside hitter Rodriguinho Leao and middle blocker Lucas Saatkamp, who all helped Brazil win bronze at the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship just two weeks ago, were all on the court for Sada Cruzeiro, while national team libero Maique Nascimento featured for Minas.

A Rio 2016 Olympic champion, the 36-year-old Lucas was one of the team’s signings for the season alongside Argentinean national team setter Nicolas Uriarte. The veteran celebrated the positive start.

“It’s my first title with the club and that makes it very special,” he commented. “We all know Sada Cruzeiro are a winning team, they’re used to triumphing in every tournament they play, and to be able to be a part of it for the first time is really nice. Minas are a tough rival and we know they will demand a lot from us later in the season.”

Cuban outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez, who also appeared in the World Championship helping his country finish 14th, was the top scorer of the match with 15 kills. Wallace scored 13 and was awarded as the Most Valuable Player of the match.

“It’s fantastic to begin the season with a title so early,” the veteran opposite reacted. “I think we played a great match. Minas made more mistakes than they usually make, but we also pushed them hard. The season is just starting and we still have a lot to improve, but it’s nice to have reached our first goal.”

Opposites Leandro Vissotto and Andre Saliba and outside hitter Henrique Honorato scored eight points each for Minas.

Both teams will be back on the court later this week in the Minas Gerais State Championship.