Tuesday, october 24nd, 2023.- The support of the audience, effort, and clear planning weren't enough for Chile to achieve the feat against Argentina in volleyball at Santiago 2023. “Las Guerreras” fell 3-2 and were eliminated from the medal contention, but they left a strong impression on the 12,000 fans who filled the stands at the Arena Parque O'Higgins.

The quarter-final clash presented a challenging scenario for the local team against the Argentinians, who had qualified for the last two Olympic Games and were defending their bronze medal from Lima 2019. Beatriz Novoa's attacks and defensive efforts weren't sufficient, and Argentina won the first two sets convincingly, 25-19 and 25-9, with Bianca Farriol and Daniela Bulaich as the standout performers.

But the competition intensified in the third set, fueled by the involvement of the crowd. Fans began to chant against the Argentinians, and on the court, the performances started to shift. Argentina rotated their starting lineup and showed weaknesses in their blocking, while Petra Schwartzman emerged as a significant attacking solution for Chile, which took the set 25-21.

The fourth set brought controversy, and the crowd was electrified. Chile disputed a touch on a wide ball from Argentina, and the Santiago venue "exploded" in uproar. With a classic atmosphere and tenacity in their defensive play, Las Guerreras won the set 25-23.

However, Argentina regained control in the final set. Despite a closely contested challenge that favored Chile, Las Panteras were more precise in their attacks, and fatigue took its toll on the home team. As a result, the Argentinians secured the ultimate victory and a ticket to compete for medals against Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil.

Written by Nicolás Olea - Leslie Castillo; translated by Rocio Rojas / Photosport

Photo by Felipe Poga / Santiago 2023 / Photosport