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Sesc Flamengo started the Rio de Janeiro Women's Volleyball Championship with a victory, beating Tijuca 3-0 away from home on Wednesday night (1/10). American outside hitter Simone Lee was the standout performer, leading Bernardinho's team in the official debut of the state season.

The match, played at the opponent's gym, ended with scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-14 . With the result, Sesc Flamengo added three points and took sole leadership of the competition. Tijuca, which had defeated Fluminense in the previous round, remains in second place with two points, followed by the Tricolor das Laranjeiras.

SIMONE LEE SHINES IN DEBUT

Having just recovered from a cut on her foot, Simone Lee made her official debut and finished as the match's top scorer , scoring 15 points. The outside hitter was decisive with her serve and block, providing the team with security in key moments. Opposite hitter Tainara also stood out, contributing 14 points to the victory.

After the match, Simone celebrated the special moment: " It's really great to be here, feel this atmosphere, and be able to play with these girls for the first time officially . I'm super excited because I know the fans were eager to help us get this important victory, and we did it," she said.

NEXT GAME WILL BE THE CLASSIC

Sesc Flamengo's next match takes place on Friday (3), at 8 pm, against Fluminense , again at Tijuca Tênis Clube. Ticket sales will open this Thursday (2), from 10 am, through the club's official social networks.

Sesc Flamengo debuts in the Carioca Women's Volleyball Championship this Wednesday (1/10), at 8 pm, against Tijuca Tênis Clube, in Rio de Janeiro. The duel marks the return of coach Bernardinho, who was absent last week due to the death of his mother , Maria Ângela, shortly after returning from the Men's Volleyball World Championship.

The red-and-black team arrives on a high after winning the Taça Brasil in Londrina, aiming for its 20th state title. Despite the positive momentum, the coaching staff and athletes emphasize that there are still adjustments to be made to reach the desired level.

CAPTAIN LAÍS HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE

Libero and captain Laís celebrated the group's progress, but reinforced the need for focus at each stage of the tournament. "I'm very happy with our team's energy and dedication to each challenge. Winning the Taça Brasil was incredibly important for us to gain competitive rhythm . We're still in the early stages of the process, so each stage we win is incredibly valuable. But now it's all over again," she said before concluding.

Flamengo captain predicts duels: "Promises great matches"

" We know that the Campeonato Carioca promises to be a great match. Tijuca is very strong this year, and Fluminense is always a tough opponent. We'll go in focused on building our game, game after game, in pursuit of this title," he said. In the opening round, Tijuca defeated Fluminense in a tiebreak, showing that they will be a competitive opponent.

RED-BLACK FANS

The match against Tijuca will also mark Sesc Flamengo's first home game in Rio de Janeiro in the 2025/2026 season . Tickets are now available for purchase on the Guichê Web website.

The Campeonato Carioca will feature three teams: Sesc Flamengo , Fluminense, and Tijuca Tênis Clube. They will all face each other in a home and away match, with the two best teams advancing to the final. The second match for the Rubro-Negro will be against Fluminense on Friday (3) at 8 p.m. The qualifying round will end on October 9, again against Tricolor, at Hebraica.

After winning the Taça Brasil in Londrina, Paraná, last week, Sesc Flamengo begins its journey toward its 20th Campeonato Carioca title . The red-and-black team's debut takes place this Wednesday (October 1st), at 8 p.m., against Tijuca Tênis Clube, in Tijuca , marking the first home game of the season. Tickets can be purchased through the Guichê Web website.

Despite the short preparation period with a full squad, the team arrives motivated after strong results against opponents from the national elite. The presence of coach Bernardinho , who was sidelined last week due to the death of his mother, Dona Maria Ângela, will be an important reinforcement for the debut.

ATHLETES' MOTIVATION AND FOCUS

Captain and libero Laís highlighted the team's progress and the importance of each milestone in building the season. "I'm very happy with our team's energy and dedication to each challenge. Winning the Taça Brasil was incredibly important for us to gain competitive momentum . We're still in the early stages of the process, so each milestone we win is incredibly valuable," she said before concluding.

"But now it's all over again. We know the Campeonato Carioca promises great matches. Tijuca is very strong this year, and Fluminense is always a tough opponent. We'll go in focused on building our game after game in pursuit of this title," he said. Tijuca Tênis Clube defeated Fluminense by tiebreak in their debut, showing that the competition promises balanced and intense matches.

CARIOCA CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

This year's Campeonato Carioca features three teams: Sesc Flamengo, Fluminense, and Tijuca Tênis Clube . They all face off in a home-and-away format, with the top two advancing to the final.