Nanjing, China, August 6, 2017 – Tandara Caixeta and Natalia Pereira fronted the brilliant Brazilian 3-2 (26-24, 17-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-8) triumph over Italy in the gold medal match of the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on Sunday.
Tandara and Natalia each had a 22-point output in the gold medal victory, where they led the charge especially in the comeback set-wins. Paola Egonu led all scorers with 29 points and Caterina Bosetti added 17 markers. Brazil made a huge effort on defence as they mounted 15 blocks against the Italian hitters.
Brazil have won their 12th World Grand Prix title and have claimed their 19th medal – a competition record. Italy have claimed three silvers and four bronze medals at the World Grand Prix.
Brazil fought hard to tie the score at 24-all in the first set and closed it with an attack gem by Ana Beatriz and an Italian attack error. In the second set, the Italian hitters dominated to ensure the second set win at 25-17. Brazil and Italy made split victories in the next two sets, forcing a tie-breaker. The South Americans led all throughout the final set until Lucia Bosetti’s service error sealed set and match at 15-8.
Brazil captain Natalia Pereira:Our team played very well. I will not be able to win this MVP award without my team-mates. I dedicate this to all the team members. I also want to thank my coach for this great victory.
Brazil coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes:Italy fought very well in this match and they never gave up. I am very proud of my team. We showed great passion in the third set, when Italy had a 20-15 lead. That was the turning point of the match.
Italy coach Davide Mazzanti: Congratulations to Team Brazil. They did a very good job in the Final Six. We have learned a lot from this tournament and we will do better in the future.
Italy captain Cristina Chirichella: Brazil very well tonight, but we never gave up. We had the chance to win but we lost a few crucial points. We still have a lot to improve on.
Related links of AVC
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/
AVC Twitter: click: https://twitter.com/avcvolley
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation