CV Guaguas claim third Spanish Supercup title

Spain’s representative in this year’s CEV Champions League Volley Men, CV Guaguas LAS PALMAS, recently claimed their third title in the Spanish Supercup, and a second since their return to the highest level of domestic competition, after defeating Grupo Herce SORIA in an exciting tiebreaker (23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 15-8). Paolo Zonca’s impressive contribution to the victory, with a personal tally of 23 points, helped the Italian outside hitter receive the MVP award for the match. CV Guaguas and Grupo Herce SORIA offered a great show and the best sort of entertainment that men’s Volleyball has to offer in Spain these days. 

The home side, playing before their fans at Insular Sports Centre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, claimed an early four-point advantage. However, the reaction of Alberto Toribio’s players surprised the locals in the final stages of the opening set. Grupo Herce SORIA showed more aggressiveness and efficiency in attack, turning the score around to take the lead and close the first set in their favour.

The unexpected twist at the end of the first set forced CV Guaguas to try and find their way back into the match. The group under the guidance of Sergio Miguel Camarero, powered by the attacking prowess of Paolo Zonca and the very impressive performance of their middle blockers, regained control, first tying the score and, later, following the same script, taking the match to 2-1, making it just one set away from winning the Spanish Supercup.

However, Grupo Herce SORIA did not give up too soon, showing confidence in their game and taking advantage of their opponents’ mistakes. Thanks to Bruno Cunha’s points, who was the main scorer for his side, Grupo Herce managed to close the fourth set in their favour, to take the match to a fifth and final tiebreaker. 

This represented a unique opportunity for both teams to achieve success and claim the first domestic title of this still very young season. Sergio Miguel Camarero opted to make changes, with Miguel Angel de Amo taking charge as CV Guaguas setter. The local favourites quickly cruised to a commanding 10-4 lead. Grupo Herce found a way to put up a fight until a spectacular attack by Wallyson Souza closed the game in favour of the Gran Canarian team.

This is already the second triumph for CV Guaguas this season after a week ago they emerged victorious from the inaugural Iberian Cup and a final match versus Portugal’s national champions Sport LISBOA e Benfica. Later this month, the Spaniards will start their CEV Champions League Volley journey by hosting the 1st Round Pool IV tournament, which features the national champions of Romania – C.S. Arcada GALATI – and Croatia – Mladost ZAGREB – as well.