Bolívar's Piá wins the duel of killers at the net against the game's top scorer Nikolay Uchikov from UPCN
Betim, Brazil, October 19, 2016 - Temperature went through the roof on Day 2 opener at FIVB Men’s Club World Championship in Betim, as a true all-Argentinean classical game went for Bolívar after four sets of close battle against UPCN, 3-1 (33-31, 22-25, 30-28, 27-25).
Former UPCN player Todor Aleksiev, now in Bolívar, led the way of his side with 17 points, while fellow Bulgarian Nikolay Uchikov from UPCN topped the charts with 24 of his own. Brazilians Gustavao and Piá, from UPCN and Bolívar respectively, also did well with 18 and 16 points apiece.
The plot was nerve-wracking from the very first set. At it, Bolívar took a step forward after letting go many chances, but finally closing it with Crer’s job on the net. However, UPCN clawed their way back with Uchikov on good shape and Gustavao’s awesome reach on both spiking and blocking.
The leveled board provided new thrills as Bolívar once again moved ahead, this time with a key entrance of experienced captain Leonardo Patti and some solid blocks from Gauna. The fourth set showed UPCN in control through youngster Nicolás Lazo, but Bolívar tied the scores at the final track and, with emotions peaking, yet another key block from the black team finished the game.