El Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote achieved a victory of enormous value against Grafometal Sporting La Rioja (17-16) in the Municipal Pavilion of San Bartolomé, in a match corresponding to matchday 18 of the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola that was marked by equality, tension, and the absolute protagonism of the defenses and goalkeepers
The start was thick and loaded with nerves from both teams, with numerous offensive inaccuracies. La Rioja took better advantage of the initial errors to go up 0-2 in the 7th minute, while Zonzamas did not find the goal until almost the 9th minute with a score by Gleinys Reyes from the wing. The local attack remained stuck and Juan J. Rivera was forced to call a timeout in the 15th minute with a worrying 1-5 on the scoreboardThe potato reaction was not long in coming. Goals from Nahomi Márquez and Marie Louis restored confidence to the team, which closed the gap to 5-7 in the 20th minute. After a visitor timeout, Zonzamas equalized the match from seven meters and, shortly after, Paula Fernández sealed the first local lead (9-8, min. 27). However, Sporting La Rioja managed to go into halftime with a minimal lead (9-10)The second half started with a more firm and determined Zonzamas, who managed to turn the score around and open a small gap (12-10, min. 38). The great local push forced the visiting coach to stop the game with a timeout after 14-10. From then on, the clash became tougher again and the visiting goalkeeper Geandra Rodrigues held her team while Zonzamas went several minutes without scoring. La Rioja cut back to 14-13 and Juan Rivera called a timeout in the 46th minute to reorganize the attack
Equality returned shortly after and the match entered a final stretch of maximum tension. La Rioja managed to take the lead (15-16, min. 55), but a key save by Alicia Robles from seven meters allowed the tie to be maintained at 16 in the 57th minute. In the final moments, a goal into an empty net by Irene Botella made it 17-16, which would end up being definitive. After a final visitor timeout, Zonzamas defended the result firmly to seal a hard-fought and vital victory in a true defensive duel.
This victory is key for Zonzamas' interests, which re-engages in the fight for permanence with strength. The team is already thinking about the next match where they will travel to Donostia to face Bera Bera, one of the favorites to take the title.
TECHNICAL SHEET
Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote (17):
Valentina Menucci, Marie Louis (5), Brenda Roger (2), Ingrid Roger, Gleinys Reyes (3), Paula Fernández (2), Luna Voncina, Alicia Robles, Irene Botella (2), Paula García, Nahomi Márquez (2), Claudia Kaulback (1), Daniela Jerónimo.
Coach: Juan J. Rivera.
Grafometal Sporting La Rioja (16):
Maitane Larrayoz, Lucía Chumillas (1), Lorena Pérez (2), Blanca Benítez, Fernanda Luján (2), Geandra Rodrigues, Paula Herce (1), Paula Morales, Garoa Sarrionandia (5), Sofía Rivadeneira, Sarai Samartín, June Loidi (2), Mina Novovic (3), Liza Somogyi, Karia Sidibe, Andrea Loscos.
Coach: Luis Miguel Ascorbe.
Referees:
David Montes González and Armando Abel Pérez Pomares. They sent off Ingrid Roger and Luna Voncina for Zonzamas Plus Car Lanzarote and Blanca Benítez, Fernanda Insfran, Paula Morales, Sarai Samartín and Mina Novovic for Grafometal Sporting La Rioja.
Incidents:
Match corresponding to the 18th matchday of the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola played at the San Bartolomé Municipal Pavilion before about 250 spectators.
