Sada Cruzeiro celebrate winning another South American title
Lausanne, Switzerland, March 4, 2018 - Sada Cruzeiro were crowned South American champions for a fifth time after defeating Lomas Voley of Argentina 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-20) in Montes Claros, Brazil on Saturday.
The Brazilian team led by Marcelo Mendez had previously won the South American title in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017. The fifth continental title was also the club's 30th overall since 2010.
After the victory, captain Filipe Ferraz said: "This was the best birthday present possible! Congratulations to our Sada Cruzeiro family. With another victory and a chance to participate in the Club World Championship, it is another year in which we can be proud of ourselves and win titles."
Final ranking:1st - Sada Cruzeiro (BRA)
2nd - Lomas Voley (ARG)
3rd - Montes Claros Volei (BRA)
4th - Personal Bolivar (ARG)
5th - Club Peerless (PER)
6th - Thomas Morus (CHI)
Sada Cruzeiro won the FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship in 2013, 2015 and 2016, but finished third in 2017 after losing to Zenit Kazan of Russia in the semifinals. Zenit Kazan went on to win their first World Championship title after finishing second in 2015 and 2016.