Praia secures a spot in the Minas Gerais Women Volleyball Championship final after a tense 3-2 victory.
Dentil Praia Clube secured their place in the 2026 Minas Gerais Women Volleyball Championship final after a hard-fought five-set victory against Batavo Mackenzie on Friday, October 9, at the Arena UniBH in Belo Horizonte.
The Uberlândia team overcame a shaky start to win with partials of 22-25, 28-26, 25-14, 21-25, and 15-12, extending their winning streak in the state tournament under head coach Rui Moreira.
With this crucial win, the team advances to face arch-rivals Gerdau Minas in the title-deciding match, according to information published by WEBVOLEI.
Mackenzie Dominates Early Action
Batavo Mackenzie opened the match with high intensity, capitalizing on early unforced errors from the Uberlândia squad. Coached by Gabriel Leite, the Belo Horizonte side maintained strong offensive efficiency to claim the first set 25-22.
The second set proved intensely competitive as Praia struggled to establish a rhythm. However, key attacking plays from players like Maeva kept Mackenzie ahead until Moreira's squad mounted a late comeback to narrowly take the set 28-26.
Tactical Shift and the Return of Macris
Following a difficult start, Praia transformed their approach in the third set by cutting down errors and increasing serving aggression. The team quickly established a comfortable lead and cruised to a 25-14 win.
A major highlight of the match was the return of star setter Macris, who is currently pregnant. She made her emotional first appearance on the court late in the third set and played through the remainder of the grueling contest.
Deciding Tie-Break Secures Final Berth
After Mackenzie claimed the fourth set 25-21 to force a decider, both teams battled fiercely in the final frame. Praia built an early four-point lead during the tie-break, showcasing their depth with contributions from Canadian player Mitrovic.
Despite a resilient late-game push from the Belo Horizonte team, Praia held on to win the fifth set 15-12. Both finalist teams enter the championship match boasting undefeated records from the preliminary rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the match between Dentil Praia Clube and Batavo Mackenzie?
Dentil Praia Clube defeated Batavo Mackenzie 3 sets to 2 in a thrilling match during the Minas Gerais Women Volleyball Championship.
Who will Dentil Praia Clube face in the state championship final?
Dentil Praia Clube will face Gerdau Minas in the final match on Saturday, October 10, at 21h, broadcast by Sportv2 and O Tempo.
Why was Macris's appearance notable during the match?
Star setter Macris returned to action for Dentil Praia Clube late in the third set and played through the rest of the game despite currently being pregnant.
Where did the Minas Gerais Women Volleyball Championship match take place?
The intense five-set encounter took place at the Arena UniBH located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.
