The 2024/2025 season started with a title for Sesc RJ Flamengo. With a consistent performance, coach Bernardinho's team beat Minas 27.09-3 (0/25, 15/25 and 18/25) this Friday (17), in Ijuí (RS), and won the National Pro-Volleyball Club Cup, a triangular that served as preparation for the Campeonato Carioca and the Superliga, without losing a single set.

On a night of celebration for the city of Rio Grande do Sul, where local fans witnessed the talent of some of Brazil's biggest volleyball stars, the red-and-black team achieved its second positive result and concluded its participation with a 100% record. Previously, they had beaten Maringá by the same score. The competition is the result of an initiative of the Ijuí Pro-Vôlei Project, created by former Brazilian national team player Alex Lenz.

Bernardinho, who once again sent the sextet of Brie, Edinara, Helena, Michelle, Lorena, and Juju onto the court, with Laís as libero, was pleased with the Rio team's impressive performance from start to finish, but knows there's still much work to be done. Edinara took home the award for best athlete on the court, but the most important thing, in the coach's opinion, was the team's rapid development.

"It was the second game of the season, and Brie is already getting along well with Edinara and Lorena. Against a team as qualified as Minas, it was a good result. We played solidly, and that makes me proud. But there's a lot ahead. We can't get our hopes up. We're now heading to the Carioca and facing Fluminense, who have put together a great team. The Superliga will feature top-level opponents, including Minas, who are still growing. We have to build our team step by step to try to reach a playoff and go as far as possible. Our intention is to help these girls play their best volleyball," Bernardinho emphasized.

In her first season as a starter for Sesc RJ Flamengo, Helena took advantage of the opportunity, was one of the team's offensive assets and enhanced the team's good spirits on the court.

"It was a very important victory, because Minas is a very strong team. We were good on the court and happy. We still have a lot to improve, but it makes a difference for the team's morale. It's a new group, but they're training hard and dedicated to achieving their goals. We'll keep working," said Helena. 

Sesc RJ Flamengo's next challenge will be the Campeonato Carioca. The state championship debut will take place on October 7th at 19 pm against Tijuca Tênis Clube in Tijuca.