Lausanne, Switzerland, November 12, 2015 – Two-time Olympic champion Thaisa Menezes is back. After surgery on both knees forced her to be away from the court for five months, Brazil’s star middle-blocker helped Nestlé Volleyball to a victory in the Brazilian Superliga.
On Tuesday, the Osasco team beat Equibrasil 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-15, 25-21) in Osasco.
Setter Dani Lins had an outstanding game, while Belgian opposite Lise Van Hecke was the top scorer in the match with 20 points.
Thaisa finished the match with a creditable 10 points on her return.
“I was apprehensive and anxious,” 28-year-old Thaisa admitted. “I recalled my first game when I was 16 and debuted in the Superliga. Usually the girls ask for my help, but today it was I who needed it.
“I'm still not even at 50 per cent of where I was, especially in terms of rhythm, speed and range attack. I have to be patient because getting back to my best will have to be a natural process. About four months ago, I had to re-learn how to walk.”
The 1.96m Thaisa was a member of the Brazil team that won gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.