Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote suffered a tough defeat in the most anticipated derby of the Women's Honor Division Gold, falling to Cicar Lanzarote Ciudad de Arrecife, second classified, by 28-20 in the Titerroy Pavilion. The 'batateras' dominated in phases of the first half, but the team fell apart after the break. Despite the stumble, they continue to lead the category and maintain control of their destiny in the fight for promotion.
The start of the match was as even as it was dull. The defenses prevailed in the early stages, hindering the circulation of the ball and leaving the score tied and sparse in the early stages. In the 11th minute, Isabel Colias was excluded with the score at 3-3, and the local team failed to take advantage of this superiority, keeping the match in a constant exchange of blows.
Zonzamas managed to take the lead after an exclusion of Marilia Correia in the 16th minute and went 6-7 up in the 18th minute. Shortly after, Juan Rivera requested a time-out (min. 20) with his team ahead 7-8. Equality continued to prevail, and after an exclusion of Brenda Roger in the 22nd minute, San José managed to tie. With an 11-11 score, the halftime was reached after a first half of great defensive intensity and with Valentina Menucci very prominent under the posts.
The start of the second half changed the course of the match. Zonzamas came out cold, imprecise, and without ideas in attack. San José took advantage of this quickly and went 14-11 up in just four minutes. From there, the visitors lost effectiveness in front
of the goal and were surpassed by the speed and aggressiveness of the local team, which increased the pace and toughened the defense.
Another exclusion of Brenda Roger (min. 43) made it easier for San José to shoot up to 19-14. Zonzamas had only managed to score five goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Without ideas, accumulating unforced turnovers, and surpassed in all positions, Juan Rivera's players were left without options against a grown and effective rival. The 25-18 in the 55th minute left the duel sentenced, and Cicar Lanzarote only had to play with their times to sentence with a definitive and tough 28-20.
With this defeat, Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote continues to lead the classification comfortably thanks to the regularity shown in this campaign, keeping their serious options for promotion to the highest category intact. The next match will take place on Saturday, April 26, when they will receive Ikasa Boadilla, a very solvent team that remains hooked in the fight for promotion.
TECHNICAL SHEET
CICAR Lanzarote Ciudad de Arrecife (28): Lucía Chumillas, Keyla Hernández, Beatriz Masseu (5), Esther de Miguel (1), Melania Cabrera (5), Leticia Cobo (2), Irene Sánchez, Gema Trujillo (7), Lorena Montilla, Thalyta Cardoso (1), Celia López (1), Thais Fermo, Yaiza Alonso, Marilia Correia (2), Ana Marín, Miriam Páez (4)
Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote (20): Valentina Menucci, María Sánchez, Luana Schallmey (1), Brenda Roger (6), Ingrid Roger, Gleinys Reyes (8), Ainhoa García, Ana Martín, Isabel Colias, Mireia Torras (1), Irene Botella (2), Agustina López (2), Nahomi Márquez, Gabriela Romero, Andrea Claramonte
Referees and exclusions:
The match was directed by the referees Albert Pérez Acedo and Daniel Toro Ponce. For Cicar Lanzarote Ciudad de Arrecife, Marilia Correira (min. 16:38 and 48:37), Celia López (min. 34:04), and Esther de Miguel (35:34) were excluded. In Zonzamas Plus Car
Lanzarote, Isabel Colías (min. 10:57) and Brenda Roger (min. 22:20 and 43:40) saw the exclusion.
Match corresponding to the 21st day of the Women's Honor Division Gold in the Titerroy Municipal Pavilion in front of about 800 fans.