Rafa Monclova spoke with a quiet gratitude after HLA Alicante bowed out with a 60-63 defeat against Palencia, recognizing the clear strength his rival demonstrated throughout the season. He offered a sincere congratulations to Zunder Palencia, praising them as a remarkable team that has shown their quality all year long. He also expressed a warm friendship with Pedro Rivero and wished Palencia the best as they moved forward. In addressing the match, the HLA Alicante coach made it clear that his reflections extended beyond statistics. He emphasized pride in his players, noting the season had been marked by strong beginnings and persistent challenges that, at times, disrupted momentum. The words suggested a season that tested character as much as it tested wins, and Monclova’s focus remained on the collective effort rather than the specifics of the game. The sense that the team had endured a demanding month, and yet had fought with dignity, colored his perspective postgame.
HLA Alicante bids farewell with honor (60-63)
Caesar Hernandez
The coach continued to commend his squad for their relentless effort, praising the character shown by players and supporters alike. He spoke about the pride of leading a group that faced steep demands all season, and he highlighted how the team responded with workmanlike resilience. The commitment was evident in every practice, in every tough moment, and in the collective belief that persisted through even the most trying stretches. Monclova noted that the team gave their all, with a level of intensity that reflected the loyalty of the fans and the expectations of the club. They stood together, worked hard, and stayed connected to a shared purpose that kept them pushing forward through a difficult schedule. The sense of accomplishment lay not only in results but in the character displayed day after day, a quality that would outlast the season and leave a lasting impression on the program.
When reflecting on the series, Monclova recalled how the team caused Palencia to feel pressure in the second game, a moment that hinted at potential in the third game despite the final result. He expressed a wish to have won, to navigate the final stretch and secure a path to contested moments closer to the title, underscoring the club’s DNA. The coach emphasized that the aspiration to compete at the highest level had always defined their approach since the first day he joined, and that stubborn spirit remained intact through the end of the campaign. There was a sense of gratitude toward the players for embracing the demanding schedule and meeting the high standards set by the club. The message conveyed was one of respect for the process and confidence in the lessons learned as the season concluded, both on the court and in the locker room. Acknowledging the effort and sacrifice, Monclova conveyed heartfelt thanks for the players who stood by the program through the ups and downs and for the supporters who believed in the mission from start to finish.
Rivero, Palencia’s coach, also commented on the tight competition of the final two games, noting the equality of the series beyond the opening day. He described the first game as a learning moment, with the second game decided by small details, and the third by the same careful nuances that can tip a close contest. Rivero pointed to the balance in the matchup as a sign of two strong teams measuring each other out across the series. He spoke about the momentum and the importance of managing injuries as the teams approach the decisive phase, highlighting the need to preserve health before a potential Final Four run. The coach hinted at a rigorous period of reflection and preparation, acknowledging the work that lies ahead and the chance to refine a plan that could yield better results in upcoming clashes. The tone conveyed respect for the opposing squad and a clear focus on the next steps as the season moved toward its conclusion with the Final Four in sight.
The former Lucentino coach looked ahead with a sense of optimism despite the close finishes. He stressed that the season had already offered a strong argument for the team’s quality and resilience, noting that the campaign had produced growth in many areas and built a foundation for the future. The remarks hinted at a broader perspective that extended beyond the immediate games, valuing the experience gained and the potential to translate late-season momentum into continued success in the next round of competition. The focus remained on healing and readiness, both for those returning from injuries and for the squad as a whole, with an eye toward maintaining the level of competitiveness that had characterized the best moments of the season. The overall message was one of gratitude, momentum, and a shared belief that the team could build on what had been achieved, entering the final phase with confidence and purpose. [Source attribution: Palencia official communications and match reports]