The Lanzarote Puerto del Carmen women’s top division team achieved a thrilling victory on Saturday at the Antonio Moreno Insular Pavilion, defeating Rocasa Gran Canaria 24-25 in the second round of the Government of the Canary Islands Cup.

Match Summary

The match began positively for the home side, who built a small lead as the first half progressed, ending the period at 15-13.

The visitors from Tías improved in the second half and gradually narrowed the gap on the scoreboard. However, the home side responded effectively to restore their three-goal advantage. In the final ten minutes, Puerto del Carmen dominated the court, not only closing the score but also taking the lead as the match drew to a close.

Ricardo Aguilera’s team was left frustrated, having led the score for over fifty minutes of the match.

Coach’s Insight

For the aurinegro coach, Jesús Casanova, this match was “another typical pre-season game, with a bit more pace than the previous one. We faced a stronger opponent than Romade from last Saturday. Some positive elements are starting to emerge, but we still need to work on a few concepts, particularly defensive toughness and improving intensity, as we are losing too many matches. In this game, Rocasa took the lead from the first minute and remained ahead with counterattacks and penetrations through the centre of our defence. Fortunately, in the last 10 to 15 minutes, we increased our defensive intensity, stole some balls, and, with a numerical advantage due to a Rocasa exclusion, managed to equalise and ultimately win in the dying seconds. Now, we must continue working hard; we are on the right track. We have some deficiencies to overcome gradually. Next, we face Morro on Wednesday and another match in Tenerife on Saturday. Hopefully, these matches will help the team develop a more positive dynamic than what we’re showing at the moment, which is understandable in pre-season, given the new players and concepts. It’s a process that takes time to absorb,” concluded the Tías coach.

Top Performers

Local player Susana Martín emerged as the top scorer of the match, netting seven goals. Meanwhile, the Tías team showcased a collective scoring effort, with Mónica Cabrera and Brenda Torres each contributing four goals.

Upcoming Fixtures

The Jesús Casanova-led team will host Bm. Morro Jable VC in the third round of the Government of the Canary Islands Cup. So far, they have suffered a loss against CB Perdoma (32-32). The encounter between the Lanzarote and majorera teams is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September, at 17:00 in the Municipal Pavilion of Tías.

Final Scores

Rocasa Gran Canaria (24): Alba Machín, Irune Pérez, Lucía Machín, Susana Martín (7), Arantza Yamiley Alemán (1), Aitana Brito, Alison Peña (1), Ruth Noemi Artiles (1), Yamiley Gómez (2), Alba Gómez (1), Yassira Ramírez (3), Aleida Afonso, Ana Medina (5), Ada María Aparicio, Alicia Ignacia Torres (1) and Ángela Yanire Torres (2). Coach: Roberto Santana.

Lanzarote-Puerto del Carmen (25): Cristina Mazaira, Nayra Gil (3), Yuli Quevedo (2), Romina Machín, Mónica Cabrera (4), Delyne Leiva (3), Brenda Torres (4), Lucía Betancort (2), Lucía Olivier (3), Ingrid Barrachina, Najara Gabaldón (3), Grethe Damora (1), Made Cortez and Andrea Guerrero. Coach: Jesús Casanova.

Scores by Minutes: 2-2, 6-5, 9-6, 12-9, 12-11, 15-13 (half-time), 16-13, 17-16, 20-18, 23-20, 23-22, 24-25 (final).

Referees: Fernanda Espino Guerra and Gerardo Herrera García, assisted at the scoring table by Lourdes González and José María Checa. Exclusions included Tías’ Ingrid Barrachina (2) and Rocasa’s Aitana Brito, Alison Peña, and Yassira Ramírez, with Yamiley Gómez being disqualified.

Incidentals: Antonio Moreno Insular Pavilion. Match corresponding to the second round of the Government of the Canary Islands Cup.