Unión Bahía Debuts in Argentina’s Women’s National Basketball League Against Boca Juniors
Bahía Blanca is back on the national basketball map. On Thursday night, a city steeped in hoops history takes the floor in the top tier of the Argentine Women’s Basketball League for the very first time. Unión Bahía makes its absolute debut against Boca Juniors at 8:30 p.m. at the José Martínez stadium in Villa Mitre.
The new venture brings together two historically rival clubs from the city: Bahiense del Norte and 9 de Julio. That merger took shape after 9 de Julio earned a sporting promotion through the Provincial League, prompting a joint effort to secure a place in the elite national division. Head coach Julián Turcato and assistant Andrés Larrasolo lead a young roster built primarily around local talent, with Agostina Leguizamón arriving as the squad’s sole outside addition after playing for Pacífico de Neuquén.
“Everything arose so that Bahía has that representation in the top category, to show that we could put egos aside and represent the city in the best way,” Emiliano Roldán, coordinator for Unión Bahía, explained.
Boca Juniors Arrives with Heavyweight Aspirations After Opening Win
While Unión Bahía takes its first steps in the competition, Thursday’s opponent arrives with championship ambitions. Boca Juniors opened its campaign with a dominant 95-72 victory over Vélez at a packed Bombonerita. Guard Luciana Delabarba led the Xeneize attack with 22 points, while Florencia Fernández posted 14 points and 14 rebounds alongside Candela Gentinetta’s 12 points and 12 boards.
Following that opening win, Boca player Julieta Sienra highlighted the team’s cohesion under head coach Gabriel Fernández. “I think we had a very collective game, that we knew how to get out of critical moments and that we got out of those moments together and playing as a team,” Sienra said, adding that playing before such a large crowd was a thrilling experience.
Ticket Prices and Stadium Venues for the Opening Weekend
For fans attending Thursday’s opener at Villa Mitre, ticket prices are set at $15,000 for general adult admission and $8,000 for children up to 12 years old. Main grandstand seats (plateas) cost $25,000 for adults and $18,000 for minors. The team’s quick turnaround continues on Friday, when the team hosts Peñarol at 9:00 p.m. at Bahiense del Norte’s Manu Ginóbili stadium.
Turcato acknowledged the emotional weight resting on his young players ahead of the opening tip. “In the first game there will be many emotions that will be difficult to control, because there are girls on the team who are 16 and 17 years old, but well, we will manage it in the moment,” the coach said.
Building a Long-Term Structure for Bahía Blanca Hoops
Club organizers view the merger not as a temporary fix, but as the foundation for a sustainable basketball structure in the region. Turcato voiced hope that the partnership extends beyond a single season, suggesting a similar joint model could eventually benefit the city’s men’s squads if they wish to compete at a higher level.
For the players stepping onto the court, the night carries significance that stretches far beyond the scoreboard. “Measuring ourselves against them is going to be a nice experience,” said Ileana Corvalán, a member of the Unión Bahía squad. “We are very focused, very concentrated, and training hard. We will try to give our best and, above all, enjoy this experience that is new for all of us and for Bahía as well.”
Jurisdiction over the fixture falls to referees Eduardo Ferreyra and Mariano Enrique, with television coverage provided via BASKET.TV.
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