Argentina aim for second round of World Championship

Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 21, 2018 - The Argentine women's national team met with the press before travelling to Japan for the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship which begins on September 29. Coach Guillermo Orduna's team returns to the World Championships after also participating in 2014. The team flies to Nagoya in Japan on Thursday.

Orduna and his players talked to the press following their final session at the CeNARD training facilities, highlighting the importance of a second consecutive participation in the World Championships after Italy 2014, an unprecedented achievement for Argentina women's team.

Prior to the World Championship, the team will play friendlies against Toyota Auto Body Co. Ltd on September 24, 25 and 26 in Japan. The Argentine debut in the World Championship on Saturday, September 29 in Yokohama against hosts Japan.

Argentina coach Guillermo Orduna: "It is the first time we are participating in consecutive World Championships, so we are taking a step forward. Now we want to move to the second round, something that we have never achieved. It is an important challenge for our growth because the group has been renewed and needs to grow in the competition. It is a difficult pool and we are clear about everyone's level. There are no easy teams in a World Championship for our national team, and it demands our highest level and conviction in every match."

Clarisa Sagardia: "I hope we can play a great World Championship, that we can achieve the goal of qualifying for the second round and make history once again. I hope we can enjoy the competition; we deserve to have fun because we work hard to be where we are. We want to play volleyball well."

Tatiana Rizzo: "This World Championship represents fulfilling the dream of the Panthers again. It is a beautiful tournament that any player dreams to play. We are fortunate to mix in a squad players that will live it again and those who will live it for the first time, so this group is focused on enjoying this experience."

Setters: Clarisa Sagardia, Valentina Galiano 

Opposite hitters: Lucia Fresco, Anahi Tosi 

Middle blockers: Julieta Lazcano, Emilce Sosa, Victoria Michel Tosi, Florencia Busquets 

Outside spikers: Elina Rodriguez, Antonela Fortuna, Agostina Soria, Josefina Fernandez