El Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote kicked off the play-down for permanence with a victory of enormous value after defeating Caja Rural Aula Valladolid 19-21 at the Huerta del Rey Pavilion, in a match corresponding to the first day of this decisive phase. In a very intense match, marked by equality and defensive toughness, the Lanzarote team knew how to suffer and manage the final minutes better.
The start was complicated for Zonzamas, imprecise in attack and accumulating errors that allowed Aula to open a gap quickly (4-1, min. 5). However, the reaction was not long in coming. With Valentina Menucci holding in goal and a counterattack by Gleinys Reyes, the batateras managed to equalize the match (4-4, min. 10).
From there, the match entered a phase of maximum equality, with very tough defenses and much respect between both teams. Marie Louis put Zonzamas ahead for the first time in the 14th minute (5-6), and the exchange of blows continued throughout the first half. After several minutes of inaccuracies and turnovers, Aula managed to equalize from seven meters before the break, which was reached with a score of 10-10.
The Valladolid team came out better after the restart, scoring two quick goals to regain the initiative. Even so, Zonzamas remained firm and Brenda Roger equalized (12-12, min. 35). The match then became chaotic, with numerous exclusions, turnovers, and unfinished attacks, reflecting the tension over what was at stake.
With a 15-14 score, Zonzamas requested a timeout in the 43rd minute seeking to organize their game, but Aula opened a small gap again (16-14, min. 46). Far from collapsing, the Lanzarote team reacted with character. Marie Louis tied the game at 17 in the 51st minute and gave the visitors air again.
In the decisive stretch, Zonzamas took a step forward. Paula Fernández, with a penetration, made it 17-19 nearing the 55th minute, forcing Aula to stop the match. Shortly after, Gleinys Reyes extended the lead to 17-20, the maximum visiting advantage, and Zonzamas allowed itself to dream of victory.
El Aula tried to react in the final minutes, but Zonzamas proved solid, managing the time and their lead better. Between defensive work and Alicia Robles' interventions between the posts, the "batateras" closed the match with the definitive 19-21.
A victory of great value that allows Zonzamas to get off to a good start in the play down, stay in the fight and boost morale for the remaining five games. The next match will take place in San Bartolomé on Wednesday the 29th against Elda Prestigio.
Technical sheet:
Caja Rural Aula Valladolid (19): Nerea Patiño (5), Naroa Baquedano (4), Sandra Monteagudo (4), Inoa Lucio (3), Mónica Gutiérrez (2), Savina Bergara (1), Carmen Sanz, Jimena Arriaga, Kadidiatou Jallow, Clara Gutiérrez, Alejandra Alonso, Polina Gorbatsjova, Marisol Carratú, María Guerra. Coach: Salvador Puig Asbert.
Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote (21): Valentina Menucci, Marie Louis (6), Gleinys Reyes (6), Paula Fernández (3), Irene Botella (4), Daniela Jerónimo (1), Brenda Roger (1), Ingrid Roger, Luna Voncina, Alicia Robles, Nahomi Márquez, Claudia Kaulback, Yasmin Fernandes, Mbongo Masseu.
Coach: Juan José Rivera Ortega.
Referees: Miquel Florenza Virgili and Jordi Ausas Busquets. They excluded for Caja Rural Aula Valladolid Kadidiatou Jallow (2) and Polina Gorbatsjova and for Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote Paula Fernández, Luna Voncina, Daniela Jerónimo, Alicia Robles and Nahomi Márquez.
Incidents: Match corresponding to matchday 1 of the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola play down, played at the Huerta del Rey Pavilion (Valladolid) before about 400 fans.