04-APRIL-2013
WEEKEND VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
 

Much is to be decided in the I Division – Men Winners Stage when we’re three rounds away to end the regular season. SL Benfica leads with 31 points, followed by the defending champions SC Espinho with 28 and AJ Fonte do Bastardo with 27 points, being this three the ones that could achieve a spot in the Title Playoff. [Competition]

Therefore, all indicates that the two finalists will be known after the battles scheduled for this weekend.
AJ Fonte do Bastardo will visit SC Espinho on Saturday and SL Benfica on Sunday, meaning that this two matches could be decisive for the Azorean team.
Castelo da Maia GC x Vitória SC and Esmoriz GC x SL Benfica (Saturday) and Castelo da Maia GC x SC Espinho and Esmoriz GC x Vitória SC (Sunday) complete the double round.

For the Losers Stage, SC Caldas stands at the top and will try to claim the 7th rank overall, while Leixões SC, one of the historic volleyball clubs of our country tries to prevent relegation. The team only accounts three points and besides being obligated to win the remaining matches, CS Marítimo (5 points) has to drop some points as well.
During this weekend there will be the following matchups: Clube K x Leixões SC and AA Espinho x GC Vilacondense. The match between SC Caldas and CS Marítimo was postponed to April 12.

CD Ribeirense (33 points) and Leixões SC (24) will meet at Matosinhos, for the I Division – Women Winners Stage.
The Azorean side has already clinched the Title Playoff spot, while Leixões SC, which hold a ten-point advantage over GDC Gueifães, could also clinch its presence if the team gains at least 3 points over the weekend.
However, if Leixões SC loses the double header against Ribeirense and Gueifães wins both matches against Castelo da Maia GC, all will be decided in the battle between these two teams, set to April 13-14.

For the Losers Stage, with 21 points already to be claimed, SC Braga (15 points), Lusófona VC (14) and CF Belenenses/Blue (13) continue to struggle for the top rank of the 2nd Stage (5th overall).

The double round has the following fixtures: GC Santo Tirso x CSD Câmara de Lobos, CF Belenenses/Blue x CS Madeira and Lusófona VC x SC Braga (Saturday) and GC Santo Tirso x CF Belenenses/Blue, SC Braga x CSD Câmara de Lobos and Lusófona VC x CS Madeira (Sunday).

More info: www.fpvoleibol.pt