Brazil eager to experience Hawaii

There was a collective sigh of relief from the Brazilian women’s national volleyball team Friday.

It wasn’t because they had finally arrived at LAX after their original flight from Rio de Janeiro was canceled.

Rather, it came after Pentacampeoes — Five-Time Champions — held on 2-1 against Colombia and potential Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal played in Fortaleza. There is no disputing that soccer is king in Brazil, but volleyball — which has its national volei stadium "Maracanazinho" right next to that of futebol’s Maracana — is a very popular second.

And no volleyball team is more popular than the Canarinhas — the Little Canaries, as the two-time defending Olympic gold medalists are known because of their yellow jerseys. They’ve been consistently good for decades, consistently great when it counted the most.

The U.S., the Olympic runner-up to Brazil in both the Beijing and London games, will attest.

The Selecao Feminina has brought a veteran team to the USA Volleyball Cup. Nine players have Olympic experience, including four who have two gold medals. That didn’t matter Saturday as the U.S., ranked second in the world, surprised top-ranked Brazil 25-22, 25-27, 25-19, 25-19 in front of some 4,000 fans at UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center, the first of four amistosos (friendlies) to be played in America over eight days.

The final two are Friday and Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center. The trip has Brazil coach Jose Roberto "Ze Roberto" Lages Guimaraes interested in seeing Hawaii’s legendary love of the sport.

"I have always heard of the importance and incredible volleyball atmosphere in Hawaii," said Ze Roberto, the only individual to lead his county to Olympic gold medals on both the men’s (1992) and women’s sides. "I have been very curious to see that. I had the opportunity to coach Lindsey Berg (Punahou graduate, three-time Olympian).

"This exchange is very good, as it gives us an opportunity to see Hawaii, which is a place we always hear good things about."

Although libero Tamari Miyashiro didn’t make the travel roster that was announced Wednesday — she has been rehabbing from March back surgery — she has been an unofficial spokesperson for Hawaii and its volleyball fans.

"Hawaii loves volleyball," said Miyashiro, whose mother (Joey Akeo Miyashiro) and sister (Tehani) played for the Rainbow Wahine. "We play with a lot of passion and the fans have that same passion. They understand the game, they appreciate the game and they have the respect for the game that it deserves."

Former Penn State setter Alisha Glass is hoping for large crowds in California and Hawaii. The teams play Sunday at USC’s Galen Center before flying to Honolulu on Wednesday.

"Brazilian fans are loyal, energetic and loud," said Glass, who set the Nittany Lions to three NCAA titles. "They love their volleyball. I hope we fill the gyms and show Brazil it’s not just them who’s excited about volleyball. This is our opportunity to do that."

The USA Volleyball Cup comes in the middle of the Olympic quad, with two years remaining before the 2016 Games in Brazil. The rosters that the Stan Sheriff Center fans see likely won’t be the ones at Maracanazinho, but the matches are still between two elite national teams.

Ze Roberto considers the U.S. his team’s biggest rival.

"At this point, it is very important for our training to play against the United States since we have high level of competition against one another," the Brazilian coach said. "It is very important for us, for the Brazilian team, to come and see where and what kind of structure the United States, one of the best teams in the world, have so we can grow ourselves and try to build something better for ourselves.

"Even though there is a rivalry, it is a very healthy rivalry. The coaching staffs get along really well. The players get along really well. The USA Volleyball Cup is a great opportunity to continue building on that."

USA CUP ROSTERS

Head coach: Karch Kiraly Assistant coaches: Jamie Morrison, Tom Black

Head coach: Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes Assistant coaches: Paulo do Rego Barros Jr., Claudio Lopes Pinheiro