Sada Cruzeiro defeats Azulim Monte Carmelo 3-0 to claim bronze at the 2026 Mineiro Men Volleyball Championship, according to information published by WEBVOLEI
The Sada Cruzeiro men volleyball team secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro. Playing on Sunday morning, October 11, the team achieved a straight-set victory over Azulim Monte Carmelo.
The match finished with partial scores of 25-20, 25-22, and 25-22, helping the squad recover from the semifinal upset. This result provides some relief following the surprising end of their historic state dominance.
Before this tournament, Sada Cruzeiro held an incredible streak of 16 consecutive titles in the state competition dating back to 2010. However, a semifinal defeat to Praia Clube on Friday altered their path to the championship match.
Tactical changes and match control
Coach Filipe Ferraz made only one adjustment to his starting lineup compared to the semifinal clash. Player Rodriguinho entered the starting rotation to replace Manu Armoa on the court.
Throughout nearly the entire encounter, Sada Cruzeiro maintained control of the scoreboard. Even without reaching their peak serving rhythm, the team managed to secure the crucial straight-set win.
Team reflections on the tournament
Head coach Filipe Ferraz analyzed the teams performance in an interview with O Tempo. He noted that the group is still finding its identity and played a good match, though perhaps not a brilliant one.
Middle blocker Lucão emphasized the importance of a realistic evaluation moving forward. He acknowledged current insecurities in fundamentals like serving, but stressed that the talented roster has significant room for growth.
Wilian farewell and future outlook
The bronze medal fixture also marked an emotional farewell for outside hitter Wilian. As previously reported, the player has officially finalized his transfer to a club in Saudi Arabia.
With the state tournament concluded, Sada Cruzeiro turns its focus toward internal improvements. The coaching staff and players aim to resolve technical inconsistencies before upcoming competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the bronze medal at the 2026 Mineiro Men Volleyball?
Sada Cruzeiro claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro by defeating Azulim Monte Carmelo.
What was the score of the Sada Cruzeiro and Azulim Monte Carmelo match?
Sada Cruzeiro won the match by 3 sets to 0, with partial scores of 25-20, 25-22, and 25-22.
Why did Sada Cruzeiro miss the 2026 Mineiro final?
Sada Cruzeiro missed the final after losing their semifinal match to Praia Clube, which ended their streak of 16 consecutive state titles.
Which player played his farewell match for Sada Cruzeiro?
Outside hitter Wilian played his final match for Sada Cruzeiro before transferring to Saudi Arabia.
