At just 22 years old, Mateo Torres—widely known as ‘Chico Mongo’—has emerged as a foundational player for Cuenca Sacros in the Liga Nacional de Ecuavóley, stepping into a primary leadership role as the Azuay squad fights to secure its place in the national tournament final.
The Bottom Line
- Cuenca Sacros heads into their next home fixture holding a 2–0 semifinal advantage over Guayaquil Astilleros, following a Friday victory in Guayaquil with partials of 15–13 and 15–7.
- Mateo ‘Chico Mongo’ Torres has transitioned from a substitute server to a primary starting setter, carrying increased leadership responsibilities following the departure of teammate Javi.
- The decisive second-leg semifinal match is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 19:00 at the Jefferson Pérez coliseum in Cuenca.
Roots in the Courts of Cuenca
The ecuavóley tradition runs deep in Torres’s family history. According to reporting from Prensa Mercosur, his early exposure to the sport came directly from his parents, Hernán Torres and Lidia Tenesaca. His mother, affectionately known as the ‘Suca’, regularly brought him to local courts during his childhood, laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion that also engaged his brother.
Torres did not immediately step into the role of setter. He began his competitive journey as a server before adapting to substitute duties, eventually solidifying his position on the court through intense concentration and physical commitment. Over time, watching established competitors like Emerson Niola helped shape his understanding of the game, allowing him to forge his own identity within the sport.
Stepping Up After a Roster Shift
Youth does not exempt a player from high-stakes demands in the upper tiers of national competition. Following the departure of Javi from the squad, Torres was thrust into a primary leadership position, managing travel, pressure, and strategic team direction despite his 22 years.
«Es la primera vez que me toca jugar así, viajar y asumir estas dificultades. Me tocó pensar en la responsabilidad de estar adelante del equipo», señaló Torres regarding the sudden shift in team dynamics.
That leadership was on display during the opening semifinal match. Playing at the Abel Jiménez Parra coliseum in the Samanes sector of Guayaquil, Cuenca Sacros faced Guayaquil Astilleros, the reigning champions from the 2025 edition. Securing straight-set victories at 15–13 and 15–7, the Azuay team established a commanding foothold in the series.
| Match Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Opponent & Venue | Guayaquil Astilleros at Abel Jiménez Parra coliseum (Samanes, Guayaquil) |
| Semifinal Game 1 Scores | 15–13, 15–7 (2–0 victory for Cuenca Sacros) |
| Upcoming Decisive Fixture | Thursday, November 5 at 19:00, Jefferson Pérez coliseum (Cuenca) |
Chasing the National Title on Home Turf
With a crucial advantage secured on the road, Cuenca Sacros turns its attention to closing out the series in front of a home crowd. Team manager Jofre Bermeo oversees a roster featuring Miguel Coello (‘Pupa’), Elvis Parra (‘Elvis’), Jhon Suárez (‘Suárez’), and youth player Martín Herrera alongside Torres.
Reflecting on the collective effort, Torres emphasized the close-knit nature of the club. «Desde abajo venimos peleando, como equipo y como amigos. Estamos trabajando para grandes cosas. Vamos a entrenar y prepararnos para meternos en la final y hacer lo mejor que podamos», noted Torres, highlighting team unity as the primary driver behind their postseason run.
As preparations continue for the upcoming match in Cuenca, Torres maintains a disciplined outlook shaped by his family background, stressing that humility remains paramount on the court. The team now awaits the Thursday night fixture to determine if their semifinal advantage will translate into a berth in the national tournament final.
