Deportivo Jaamsa
Deportivo Jaamsa became the first finalist of the 2017/18 season of the National Volleyball League on Saturday, after defeating Alianza Lima 3-0 (27-25, 25-18, and 25-23) in the second leg of the semi-final, played at the Manuel Bonilla Coliseum.
Jaamsa achieved victory with strength in their attack (45-26) thanks to 21 points scored by their opposite, Cuban player Regla Gracia, who ended up being the top scorer of the match, followed by outside hitter Sulián Matienzo with 14 points. Meanwhile, Alianza once again had deficiencies in their attack and only standout player Daniela Uribe scored 11 points.
Both teams scored 6 points each in serves; however, the losing team was superior in blocks (5-9). The unforced errors were similar, with 25 for Jaamsa and 21 for Alianza.
Preview:
Alianza Lima will have a do or die duel for their aspirations to win their first national title in history, when they face Jaamsa in the second leg of the National Volleyball League semi-finals, today at 4:00 pm (via Movistar Deportes).
In the first match of the tie, played on Friday at the Manuel Bonilla Coliseum, Jaamsa won by a tight 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21, 15-10) over Alianza Lima.
"It was very important to win this match, especially for us mentally. It will fill us with confidence for the second game. Anxiety played against us at the start, but the match was quite even. We have to manage that anxiety and do what we know," said Mabel Olemar, attacker of Jaamsa.
If Jaamsa achieves another victory on Saturday, they will become the first finalist of the National Volleyball League. While a victory for Alianza Lima will force a defining extra game, which would be played on Sunday.
"In these matches, mistakes are costly. Still, nothing is said yet. There's one more match and we'll give it our all," said Carlos Aparicio, coach of Alianza Lima. Will they achieve a comeback?
The winning team will await the winner between Regatas and Universidad San Martín for the match for the gold medal, scheduled for Friday at 8:30 pm. Meanwhile, Alianza will play for the bronze medal on the same day at 7:00 pm. Tickets for both matches will be sold starting Monday at Teleticket for a price of 20 soles for general admission and 40 soles for preferential seating.