Tarragona, Spain – The Spar Girona saw their Copa de la Reina aspirations end swiftly on Friday, falling to Perfumerías Avenida 76-53 in a quarterfinal matchup that never truly materialized for the Catalan side. The defeat marks a disappointing early exit for Spar Girona, who entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Avenida squad.
The game’s outcome hinged on a multitude of factors, including the unavailability of key players and a noticeable disconnect on the court for Spar Girona. Marta Canella was already sidelined, and Chloe Bibby and Laura Quevedo, both carrying minor injuries from a recent game against Valencia, played but were clearly hampered and unable to perform at their best. Roberto Íñiguez’s team simply couldn’t replicate the competitive spirit they’ve demonstrated in past challenges, such as their hard-fought victories against Fenerbahçe in the EuroLeague and Valencia in a regular season contest.
“We need to be more aggressive, we’re overpassing and we need to play more inside,” Íñiguez reportedly said during a timeout as Spar Girona trailed by 15 (23-38) late in the first half, according to reports from the game. Yet, the adjustment proved insufficient to stem the tide.
Spar Girona endured a particularly rough first half, struggling with both their shooting and defensive intensity. They shot a dismal 2-of-15 from three-point range and 8-of-32 from the field entering halftime facing a significant 25-40 deficit. Avenida, playing with a clear sense of purpose, was led by strong performances from Soriano, Martín, and Cave, effectively controlling the tempo and dictating the game’s flow.
The third quarter offered little improvement for Spar Girona. A brief spark of hope was quickly extinguished as Avenida responded with a dominant stretch, extending their lead to 21 points (31-57) with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter. The Avenida players continued to battle for every possession, while Spar Girona appeared increasingly lost and unable to mount a sustained response.
Despite Avenida playing the final quarter without Soriano due to injury, they maintained their control, ultimately securing a comfortable 76-53 victory. By the end of the game, Spar Girona seemed solely focused on bringing the contest to a close, unable to overcome the substantial deficit.
The loss is particularly stinging considering Spar Girona’s recent form and their ambitions in both the Spanish league and the EuroLeague. The team is scheduled to compete in the EuroLeague Final 8 in Saragossa in April, and will need to quickly regroup and refocus their efforts.
This Copa de la Reina run lasted less than two hours for Spar Girona. Whether it was the absence of key players, an inexplicable lack of connection on the court, or the weight of expectations, the performance was undeniably disappointing. The team, known for its resilience, simply couldn’t find its footing against a determined Avenida side.
Looking ahead, Spar Girona will need to address the issues that plagued them in this game. Improving their shooting consistency, bolstering their defensive intensity, and finding ways to integrate all players effectively will be crucial as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The team’s next challenge will be to translate their regular season success into consistent performances in high-stakes tournament play.
The defeat brings an end to Spar Girona’s Copa de la Reina campaign, but their season is far from over. With the EuroLeague Final 8 on the horizon, they have an opportunity to redeem themselves and compete for another major title. The team will undoubtedly analyze this loss and use it as a learning experience as they strive to achieve their goals.
Spar Girona will now turn their attention to preparing for their upcoming EuroLeague commitments. The team will need to quickly refocus and regain their competitive edge as they face some of the top teams in Europe. The road to Saragossa will be challenging, but Spar Girona remains a formidable opponent capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Fans can stay updated on Spar Girona’s progress and schedule through the team’s official website and social media channels. The team’s next confirmed game is yet to be announced, but details will be released as soon as they become available.
What are your thoughts on Spar Girona’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!
