AtticGo Elche extends their run in the Canary Islands

In a tense arm wrestle, the Elche squad faced a stubborn Rocasa Canarias in a match that kept the outcome in doubt until the final minutes. The setback for Elche was clear, but the fight continued from opening whistle to the last shot, proving both teams were determined to claim valuable points in the Guerreras-Iberdrola League standings.

The clash unfolded as expected: two teams chasing a crucial win, both eager to secure a foothold in the race for the league’s second place. The game was decided by fine margins, and every possession mattered as Elche pressed forward and Rocasa Canarias responded with discipline and vigor.

JA Galvanized

On the floor, the home defense showed resilience even after a crucial setback, sticking with the challenge and keeping themselves in contention through the middle of the second half. The first half was tightly played, with alternating advantages on the scoreboard. Rocasa Canarias often led, while AtticGo Elche stayed within reach, ready to strike back when the moment arrived. The break ended in a balanced 12-12 stalemate, leaving both sides perched for a decisive second period.

Zaldua attempts to halt Tessa Van Zijl in a critical sequence

The action resumed with Rocamora’s squad tightening its defensive efforts and stifling several Elche forays. Still, the Canary Islands side began to lean on its collective strength and international experience, with María Gómez emerging as a pivotal figure in the offense. The balance of play gradually tipped, and Rocasa Canarias demonstrated a growing ability to convert pressure into scoring runs, eroding Elche’s defensive stance as the clock moved through the middle stages of the half.

The Elche attack found it increasingly difficult to unlock Rocasa’s organized back line. The absence of the visiting team’s key playmaker left a noticeable gap, and the game slipped from close to challenging for a comfortable margin. By the midpoint of the second half, Rocasa Canarias had moved ahead decisively, turning a narrow 17-16 deficit into a modest lead advantage as they built a stronger frontline and capitalized on faster transitional play.

Clara Gascó shoots on goal

A mounting five-goal gap began to define the match, making the uphill climb for AtticGo Elche even steeper. Yet the visitors did not surrender; they kept fighting and trailed by just two with five minutes remaining, signaling the potential for a late twist. The Rocasa Canarias defense held firm, matching the urgency with disciplined execution and experienced calm in closing stages.

The home team managed to maintain the slight edge and finished strong, ultimately sealing a 28-26 victory. The game underscored the ongoing challenge for Elche in the Antonio Moreno circuit while highlighting Rocasa Canarias’ ability to close out tight matches when it mattered most.

Looking ahead, AtticGo Elche shifts focus to a Sunday encounter at 12:00 against Zuazo Barakaldo, to be played at the Esperanza Lag pavilion, as they seek to rebound from this loss and plan a sharper approach for the next test.

Footage from the match played in the Canary Islands

DATA SHEET:

ROCK CANARIAN ISLANDS: Andrea Suárez, Melania Falcón, Manuela Pizzo (3), Almudena Rodríguez (1), Arinegua Pérez (2), Vasiliki Gkatziou (2), Alba Spunini (4), Seynabou Mbengue (4), María Gómez (6), Jheniffer Lopes (2), Ana Belén Palomino, Marta Siñol, María González (2), Nerea Guerra, María Zaldua (2) and Lourdes Guerra.

ATTICGO ELCHE: Pamela Rodrigues, Nicole Morales, Katia Zhukova, Tessa Van Zijl (3), Lisa Oppedal (3), Celia Guilabert (2), Patricia Méndez (6), Nuria Andreu (1), Clara Gascó (3), María Flores, Zaira Benítez, Pipy Wolfs, Paola Bernabé (2), Alexandra Do Nascimento (2) and Raquel More (1).

A MARKER EVERY 5 MINUTES: 1-2, 5-3, 6-6, 9-7, 10-10, 12-12, 15-14, 17-16, 20-18, 24-19, 26-24, 28-26.

JUDGE: Victor Navarro and Fernanda Espino.

PAVILLION: Antonio Moreno de Telde.

Danila So Delgado 2 months away

AtticGo Elche defender Danila So Delgado will be out for eight weeks due to a right-hand injury. The Spanish-Portuguese forward, a key figure in Elche’s offense, sustains a carpal scaphoid fracture and will undergo treatment to repair the wound.

Danila So Delgado applauds from the bench during the match

Her absence marks a significant blow for Rocamora’s squad as they prepare for the rounds ahead, including the forthcoming EHF European Cup semi-finals against Atlético Guardés, scheduled for March 18 and 25.