Atticgo CBM Elche closes preseason with a win over Valur
Atticgo CBM Elche finished their preseason on a high note by defeating Icelandic side Valur with a score of 25-18, earning the Festa d’Elx trophy along the way. Led by coach Joaquín Rocamora, the team built on Friday’s victory against Costa del Sol Málaga to claim the triangular tournament title.
In the final matchup of the event, the Franjiverde squad gradually extended their lead in the opening half. Elche controlled the tempo and never allowed Valur to threaten their advantage. The first-half margin reached 13-9, a testament to Rocamora’s experimentation with different lineups and tactical ideas ahead of the league campaign.
Atticgo Elche: What lies ahead?
The second half followed a similar pattern as Elche continued to press. Valur managed to close the gap briefly, pulling within a single goal at 15-14, but Elche answered with a decisive 7-1 stretch that put the result beyond doubt, with seven minutes to play and the score at 22-15. The closing phase saw Elche extend to a final 25-18 advantage, sealing five wins and a single defeat across the preseason, a run that began with the Villa de Frigiliana Cup against Costa del Sol Málaga.
Following the game, the team planned a rest day and then a double session on Tuesday as they sharpen focus for the upcoming league opener. The first league clash is scheduled for Saturday at 21:00, with Costa del Sol Málaga visiting the Esperanza Lag venue.
Rocamora Analysis
Rocamora noted that the side played with solidity and rhythm, praising the overall display while pointing out room for improvement. He emphasized that many players already contribute and that newcomers are integrating well. Yet he warned that to be consistently successful, the squad must learn to close out tight matches and avoid letting games slip away late.
Andrew’s analysis
From a different perspective, the analysis highlighted that the preseason served as a valuable testing ground for new concepts and balance. The emphasis on positional work was clear, and the early results provided a positive signal for the upcoming season. The team used the period to gauge how well new ideas fit into their existing framework and to identify areas for refinement.
DATA SHEET
Atticgo Elche (25): Marisol Carratú, Nicole Morales, Katia Zhukova, Paula Agulló (1), Tessa Van Zilj (3), Lisa Oppedal (1), Celia Guilabert (1), Patricia Méndez (4), Nuria Andreu (1), Danila So Delgado (4), Clara Gascó (1), María Flores, Zaira Benítez (1), María Carrillo, Pipy Wolfs (1), Paola Bernabé (2), Alexandra do Nascimento (2), Raquel More, Kelly Rosa (3), Noelia Plaice.
Valur Handbolti (18): Sara Sif Helgadóttir, Hrafnhildur Dorleifsdóttir, Sigriouur Haukddóttir (1), Asthildur Jona Dorhallso (1), Morgan Marie Dorkelso, Dorey Anna Asgeirsdottir (2), Asdis Dora Agustsdottir (4), Hildigunnur Einarsdottir (4), Audur Ester Gesdottir (1), Asrun Inga Arnarsdottir, Thea Imani Sturludottir, Elin Rosa Magnusdottir (5).
Pavilion: Esperanza Lag, Elche, in front of a crowd of around 200 spectators.
Interim scores by five-minute blocks: 3-3 / 5-3 / 8-6 / 10-7 / 13-9 (rest) / 10-15 / 15-14 / 17-14 / 20-16 / 25-18 (final).