El Fundación Cajasol Andalucía missed out on a spot in the Copa Ibérica final after falling 0-3 to Portuguese powerhouse SC Braga in the semifinals at the municipal pavilion in Estremoz, Portugal, according to local sports reports. Despite pushing the second-ranked team in the Portuguese league to the brink in a fiercely contested opening set, head coach Ricardo Torronteras’ squad could not sustain its early momentum.
A Tough Opening Set Slip
The nazarenas opened their maiden tournament appearance with strong intent, seizing an early 4-0 lead backed by Megan Wilson’s work at the net and the attacking debut of new signing Sophia Meyers. However, SC Braga gradually chipped away at the deficit, forcing Torronteras to call a timeout at 18-16. Juliana Ocaña saved an initial Portuguese set point, but Braga converted their subsequent opportunity to secure a narrow 25-27 victory.
Braga Impose Control in Later Frames
The heartbreak of the opening frame carried over into the second set as Braga raised its offensive intensity and improved its reception. Trailing 6-9, El Fundación Cajasol quickly fell behind 6-13, prompting another tactical stoppage from the bench. Although Bianca Polo provided a brief spark from the service line, the Spanish side struggled to unlock their central play, and the Portuguese club closed out the set 16-25.
Seeking a lifeline in the third set, the nazarenas briefly jumped ahead 4-2, but an immediate 0-4 response from Braga shifted the momentum back. Torronteras rotated his bench, introducing Elia Rodríguez at setter and reinforcing the back row with Polo and Sasa Barón. Despite those adjustments, Braga pulled away to an 18-8 advantage and ultimately sealed the match with a 14-25 scoreline.
Looking Ahead to the Third-Place Match
El Fundación Cajasol Andalucía will look to bounce back and secure a podium finish when they contest the third-and-fourth-place playoff match this Sunday afternoon at the municipal pavilion in Estremoz, facing the loser of the other semifinal between Porto and CV Heidelberg.
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