Tarragona – Hozono Global Jairis saw their remarkable Copa de la Reina run come to an end Sunday, falling to Valencia Basket 70-65 in the tournament final. The defeat concludes a surprising journey for the team, who reached the championship game despite playing three consecutive days and navigating the absence of key player Lou López-Senechal.
The team from Murcia had already stunned the Spanish basketball world by upsetting Leganés and Perfumerías Avenida en route to the final, proving their mettle against established powerhouses. However, Valencia Basket’s financial strength and depth ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Laura Gil, a pivotal player for Hozono Global Jairis, highlighted the team’s strong start but acknowledged Valencia’s ability to respond. “We started the game very well, doing everything right in the first quarter,” Gil said, as reported by Onda Regional de Murcia. “But Valencia is a great team, they knew how to come back, and we also felt the effects of playing three games in a row. We did a lot of things well, but we were penalized by errors in attack that allowed them to run and play dynamically.”
Gil also noted that in a five-on-five situation, Valencia found it more challenging to create advantages, a testament to the competitive spirit of Hozono Global Jairis. Despite the loss, she emphasized the team’s pride in their performance. “We have to be very proud of our work and congratulate Valencia,” she added.
Hozono Global Jairis’s defensive efforts were particularly noteworthy throughout the tournament, successfully containing key players like Sangare, Cave, and Hillsman from Leganés, Salamanca, and Valencia, respectively. Valencia’s MVP, Raquel Carrera, had her quietest game of the Copa against the tenacious interior defense of Canut’s squad.
The game wasn’t without its moments of contention. Following the final, Laura Gil revealed an incident involving Valencia Basket owner Juan Roig. “This is the second time Juan Roig has beaten me in a final, and the first thing he does is shake my hand and say something inappropriate,” Gil stated. “It’s very important to know how to lose, but also how to win.” Gil previously played for Valencia Basket for two seasons, adding a layer of personal history to the encounter.
Gil reflected on the team’s overall success in reaching the Copa de la Reina final for the second consecutive year. “Reaching the Copa final for the second time in a row says a lot about how Hozono Global Jairis is performing,” she said. “You’ll see things to improve, but with the team at full strength, we can deliver a lot to talk about. We did things well, we are players who understand basketball. The training sessions are intense but also fun, and that makes the results also accompany us.”
Despite a brief pause prior to the Copa, Gil expressed optimism about the team’s future. “This is basketball with highs and lows, and now we hope that only highs remain. Now it’s time to disconnect mentally and fight for what’s left. I feel good, always at my best.”
Hozono Global Jairis’s journey to the final was a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Their ability to overcome adversity and challenge established teams has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Spanish women’s basketball. While the championship ultimately eluded them, their performance in the Copa de la Reina has solidified their position as a rising force in the league.
The team will now turn its attention to the remainder of the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto season, aiming to build on their Copa de la Reina success and continue their upward trajectory. Their next challenge will be a crucial matchup against a yet-to-be-determined opponent, as they strive to secure a favorable position in the league standings.
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