Lausanne, Switzerland, June 12, 2017 – Defending champions Brazil served notice that they will again be the team to beat when the FIVB World Grand Prix begins in July.
Jose Roberto Guimaraes’ team won the Montreux Masters on Sunday, with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) victory over Germany in the gold medal match.
They will now finalise their preparations for the World Grand Prix that begins on July 7 and runs to July 23 before the Group 1 Finals that take place from August 2-6.
It is the seventh time that Brazil have won the Montreux Masters and it means they go into the World Grand Prix in good form and aiming to add a fourth World Grand Prix title to their name from five editions.
Rosamaria Montibeller led the way for Brazil with 15 points, while Natalia Pereira weighed in with a further 12. Louisa Lippmann led scoring for Germany with 15 points. Ana Carolina Da Silva was named MVP.
The team that succeeded them as Olympic champions – China – showed that they are building towards a tilt at World Grand Prix gold by finishing with bronze.
Jenny Lang Ping’s team defeated Argentina 3-1 (25-21, 12- 25, 20-25, 25-19).
Brazil begin their World Grand Prix campaign in Ankara against Turkey, Serbia and Belgium. China start at home in Kunshan against Italy, Russia and USA.
2017 Montreux Volley Masters Team of the Tournament:
Ana Carolina Da Silva [Brazil] (MVP & Best Middle Blocker), Roberta Silva Ratzke [Brazil] (Setter), Lenka Durr [Germany] (Libero), Marie Scholzel [Germany] (Middle Blocker), Paula Yamila Nizetich [Argentina] (Wing Spiker), Natalia Pereira [Brazil] (Wing Spiker).
Jose Roberto Guimaraes goes for swim in Lake Geneva.