National team player Maria Koleva recorded a prestigious success in her career, after becoming champion of Brazil with the team of Dentil Praia Clube. In the Grand Final of the Superliga, the team from Uberlândia defeated Gerdau Minas with a decisive 3:0 (29:27, 25:21, 25:13) in front of a full house at the "Ibirapuera" arena in São Paulo.
This is the third title in the club's history and a success that comes at a time of serious challenge, after Praia Clube broke a streak of five consecutive losses against this opponent during the season.
The clash between Praia Clube and Minas once again reaffirmed its status as the biggest derby in Brazilian women's volleyball – the so-called 'Clássico Pão de Queijo'. This was the seventh final between the two teams and the sixth in the last seven seasons – an indicator of their total domination.
Minas entered as the favorite, having won four of the last five titles (18/19, 20/21, 21/22, 23/24) and was pursuing a new trophy, but failed to assert its hegemony.
The final started evenly, with both teams going point for point and the tension maintained until 21:21. In the decisive moments, Praia Clube showed stronger nerves and snatched the first set with 29:27. At 24:24, Maria Koleva briefly entered the game, replacing Michelle Pavão, but failed to score a point. In the second set, the team from Uberlândia made an impressive comeback after trailing and took a 2:0 lead. In the third set, Praia Clube completely dominated and closed out the match with a convincing 25:13.
The most valuable player in the final was Michelle Pavão, who played a key role in the decisive moments. Peyton Caffrey also had a strong match and was a major factor in attack and from serve, putting pressure on the opponent's reception. Captain Adenízia brought stability to the center of the net, and the collective performance proved crucial for the ultimate success.
Praia Clube reached the title thanks to better efficiency in key moments and the ability to react when trailing. The team exerted significant pressure from serve and managed to disrupt Minas' organization, especially in the second set. At the same time, the opponent failed to maintain its level after good initial phases and allowed runs that proved decisive.
For Maria Koleva, this title is a significant achievement on the international stage and an important step in her career. Although with limited participation in the final, she is part of the championship squad and contributed to the team's depth. Praia Clube not only won the trophy but also showed that it is once again among the leading forces in Brazilian women's volleyball.
photos:cbv.com.br
