Before the tournament started, Rexona-SESC Rio coach Bernardo Rezende said that their goal is to reach the semifinals; the Brazilian club has achieved that after their 3-1 win over Dinamo Moscow
Kobe, Japan, May 12, 2017 – Rexona-SESC Rio coach
Bernardo Rezende has achieved his first goal to lead the team to the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship Kobe 2017.
“We have reached our first goal to make the semifinals,” Rezende said. “Now let’s see what we can do.”
Rexona-SESC Rio endured Dinamo Moscow’s challenge in the tightly-contested four-setter. The final plays in each set put the fans into the edge of their seats as each set was decided by a slim two-point margin.
“We are happy with the victory,” Rezende said. “It was a tough match. They are a tall team and are physically strong. The fans were entertained because there were a lot of rallies on both sides.”
Drussyla Costa top scored with 22 points to power the Rexona-SESC offence. It took time for the Brazilian players to find their rhythm, but when they finally executed their game plan, good things happened for them down the stretch.
“The first set did not go as expected,” Drussyla said. “We gradually found our rhythm and counter-attack and defence. The goal was to penetrate the other side and avoid their blocks.”
“We kept our concentration until the end and that is why we won,” Rexona captain
Regiane Bidias said.
“We played as a team and minimised our mistakes,”
Gabriela Guimaraes said. “A small team has to play with intelligence and avoid mistakes. Confidence is important.”
Dinamo Moscow captain
Vera Vetrova felt frustrated with the loss, as her team played a very close game against Rexona-SESC.
“The result was very disappointing,” Vetrova said. “It was close but we made too many mistakes.”
Dinamo Moscow coach Yurii Panchenko agreed with his captain that it was their mistakes that cost them the game.
“We made too many mistakes,” Panchenko said. “Our block did not work well. It is really unfortunate that we lost.”