May 25, 2025
Miami Beach, FL
Brazil Brings Win to Series 2
Brazil’s Hiltinho Melo and Felipe Nascimento did what World Champions are expected to do: win and win often. The South Americans faced their rivals Paraguay in the Final yesterday; but were able to wrestle away the victory. Victor Martinez and Moises Davalos proved that heart can still get you further that one expects playing without it.
In the Semi-Finals – Paraguay beat Team USA 1 – in what was considered a huge upset. The Americans have been training relentlessly for this event over the last few weeks; but their nemesis caught then in a momentary lapse of desire and were able to advance. Unfortunate for such a young and skilled US Team. They will have a chance to redemption today.
In the other Semi-Finals – Brazil toppled a determined and talented Italy squad of Federico Iacopucci and Ludivico Alonzi. The Italians went toe to toe with the Brazilians; but it was like watching a rookie All-Star team versus current All-Stars. You could see the future in the Italians; but the present is still Brazil.
Results from yesterday:
Group Play:
USA 1 Lobato/Mendonca 25 x Luxembourg Sasha/Bettel 8
USA 1 Lobato/Mendonca 25 x Italy Ludocivo/Iacopucci 23
BRA Hiltinho/Felipinho 25 x USA 2 Plentz/Lube 12
PAR Davalos/Martinez 27 x USA 2 Plentz/Lube 25
BRA Hiltinho/Felipinho 25 x PAR Davalos/Martinez 19
ITA Ludovico/Iacopucci 25 x Luxembourg Sasha/Bettel 8
Elimination Match:
ITA Ludovico/Iacopucci 25 x USA 2 Plentz/Lube 22
Semi-Final 1:
PAR Davalos/Martinez 25 x USA 1 Lobato/Mendonca 22
Semi-Final 2:
BRA Hiltinho/Felipinho 25 x Italy Ludovico/Iacopucci 21
Final:
BRA Hiltinho/Felipinho 25 x PAR Davalos/Martinez 15
Matches begin today at 3pm EST at:
7275 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33141
SandBowl Volleyball Courts