The Peruvian team qualified for the World Cup without Paolo Guerrero
Many fans of the national team thought that everything was lost when Paolo Guerrero was suspended. What would happen to the team without their captain, their top scorer, their motivation? At first, the situation didn't look good, but even without the number '9', they qualified for Russia.
San Martín fans had a similar experience. Ángela Leyva, the team's most representative player and top scorer, went to play in Brazil. Just like with the national team, it was difficult at first, but on the field, there seemed to be no holes.
The 'santas' remained on the podium throughout the season. And when they were already considered favorites for the title, 'Angelita' arrived to reinforce the team in the semifinals.
Her absence was worth it. The number '12' formed a perfect duo with the 'gringa' Allison Mayfield, who came to Peru as her replacement, and together they were the top scorers in all the matches.
History was made:
This was repeated at the Manuel Bonilla coliseum in Miraflores. San Martín beat Deportivo Jaamsa in the third final of the National League by 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 30-28). And, best of all, they became national champions for the fourth time in their history.
"I have a heel injury, but I had to play the final no matter what. Even if it's with one foot, I knew the team needed me and here I am," said Ángela Leyva. It couldn't be any other way: she is a 'santa'.
PREVIEW:
San Martín vs Jaamsa for the title of the National Volleyball League at the Manuel Bonilla coliseum. The team coached by Cuban Juan Carlos Gala won the first set (25-22); the 'santas' equalized in the second (25-19). And now the Santa Anita team leads the series by 25-23.
After stumbling against Regatas last year, the 'santas' are not willing to make the same mistake against Jaamsa. And they showed it by winning 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-21, and 25-19) against Juan Carlos Gala's team in the second final of the tournament.
The team coached by Spanish Juan Diego García, who cheered his girls on when necessary, had the attacking player Ángela Leyva as their star. Meanwhile, the 'gringa' Allison Mayfield was also unstoppable at the net.
The title is decided:
Since Jaamsa had won the first match 3-0, San Martín forced the series to be decided in a third game, which will be played today (6:00 pm / Movistar Deportes) at the Bonilla coliseum.
The dream of winning the 'tetra' is still alive for the 'santas'. But it's clear that the experienced Jaamsa will fight until the last point in search of their first title.
"To win the title, we have to go out with the same attitude as in the second game," said Ángela Leyva, who played for Osasco Voleibol in Brazil.