This Saturday, the AtticGo Elche team returns to the court after 18 hours of preparation to face Rocasa in the Guerreras-Iberdrola League. Elche will contend with a very challenging opponent, Rocasa Gran Canaria, who remain undefeated in the competition and have claimed victories in all three fixtures so far this season against Zuazo Barakaldo, Costa del Sol Malaga, and KH7 Granollers. The challenge is clear: Elche must find a way to disrupt Rocasa’s momentum and start building a stronger position in the league standings.
The Franjiverdes side has managed just one win in a single home game this season, a setback that underscores the uphill battle ahead. The team has suffered defeats on road trips to Valladolid and, most recently, against the current league champions and heavy favorites, Super Amara Bera Bera from San Sebastian. Those results highlight the importance of keeping focus for the entire 60 minutes and avoiding the dips that have plagued them in away fixtures.
The difficulty is compounded by a string of injuries that have hit Elche’s roster since pre-season. The latest setback involves center Paola Bernabé, who is dealing with cartilage damage in the right knee. She has begun preventive therapy aiming to avoid surgery, but she will be sidelined for several months and is not expected to return until December. This setback forces others to step up and fill the void in both defense and attack.
Adding to the injury list on the Dutch side are Tesa Van Zijl, who fractured the base of the fourth metacarpal bone and will be out until October, and Clara Gasco, who sustained a severe ankle sprain in mid-August and will be unavailable for the near future. Their absences further tilt the balance of experience and leadership on Rocasa’s roster, amplifying the demand on their remaining players to carry the load.
In total, five players are unavailable: Ivet Monsoon and Elena Martinez have long-term knee concerns that will keep them out until January, confirming the depth challenges both teams face as the season progresses. Despite these obstacles, Elche AtticGo remains determined to stage an impressive performance, with Rocasa widely viewed as the more dangerous opponent this round and the defending cup champions known for their relentless pressure and precise execution. The club has responded by reinforcing the squad with new signings this season, including a return from abroad by Martha Mangue who has come back to help push for another title run.
On the bright side, goalkeeper Pamela Rodrigues is back in action. The Brazilian made her season debut after recovering from earlier concerns and is expected to play a pivotal role in keeping Rocasa at bay. Her presence, combined with a motivated defense and a sharper attack, could tilt the balance in Elche’s favor on match day.
Despite the odds, the Franjiverdes remain determined and refuse to concede easily. The coaching staff, led by Joaquín Rocamora, has emphasized the need to avoid the slow starts seen in last Saturday’s encounter with Bera Bera. The plan is simple yet demanding: tighten the defense from the opening whistle, reduce unforced errors, and build momentum through fast transitions and disciplined tempers. The aim is to force Rocasa into longer rallies and contested possessions, using every moment to regain their confidence and establish rhythm. If Elche can execute this approach, the game could unfold with a more even pace and open opportunities to challenge the Canary team, who began the match as clear favorites. The court awaits, the players are ready, and the outcome will reveal whether Elche can convert potential into a meaningful result.