Europeans Abroad: Kuznetsova takes Praia to the semis in Brazil
News
European volleyball players are spread all over the world during the 2023-2024 club season, playing big roles in their teams. Many of them are currently away from the continent, competing in some of the top leagues on the planet, and we’ll help you follow their journeys by providing periodic updates on how they’re doing.
Brazil
Russian outside hitter Sofya Kuznetsova helped her team Dentil Praia Clube advance to the semifinals of the Brazilian Women’s Superliga this week.
Defending champions Praia saw their quarterfinal series against SESI Vôlei Bauru go to a third and decisive match on Tuesday and had Kuznetsova come up big for them, producing 30 points (28 kills, two blocks) in their five-set victory. The Russian is now the Superliga’s top scorer, with 447 points.
The Superliga semifinals begin on Monday, April 8, when Praia will host SESC Flamengo.
China
The Chinese Men’s League Finals began this weekend, with four European players involved in the series that will decide the winners of the tournament. Aleksandar Atanasijević and Michał Kubiak helped their team Shanghai Bright start the battle ahead, pushing them to a 3-0 road win over defending champions Beijing BAIC Motor of Ukrainian setter Yurii Synytsia and Belorusian middle blocker Maksim Shkredau on Sunday.
The Serbian opposite led his team with a match-high 14 points, while the former Polish national team captain scored 13.
Shanghai and Beijing will meet again on Thursday in the second match of the best-of-five series that will determine the Chinese champions.
USA
Russian opposite Anna Lazareva helped her team Atlanta Vibe continue at the top of the standings in the American Pro Volleyball Federation League this week, as the team got to 12 victories in 15 matches.
Playing at home on Monday, Atlanta secured a 3-1 win over the Grand Rapids Rise, with Lazareva contributing 20 points (18 kills, two blocks) – Czech middle blocker Magda Jehlarova added another five points to Atlanta, while Bulgarian opposite Emiliya Dimitrova scored 20 for Grand Rapids.
Also this week, Italian outside hitter Valeria Papa registered 15 points as her team San Diego Mojo topped the Ohama Supernovas 3-1 0 on Tuesday.