The energy from the stands at Maracanãzinho is Sesc RJ Flamengo's trump card in their quest to qualify for the Women's Superliga semifinals. This Friday (April 03.04rd), at 18:30 PM, coach Bernardinho's team only needs one more victory against Batavo Mackenzie, in the temple of world volleyball, to close out the best-of-three playoff series and secure a place among the top four in the competition. SporTV2 and VBTV will broadcast live, and tickets can be purchased through the Guichê Web website.

This will be the third consecutive duel between the teams. At the end of the qualifying phase, Flamengo triumphed in straight sets in Tijuca. Last Tuesday (March 31.03), the Rio team, which advanced to the playoffs in first place, faced more difficulties against the eighth-placed team: 3-1, in Belo Horizonte, in the opening round of the quarterfinals. 

The stage for historic matches evokes a special feeling in opposite hitter Tainara. Beyond tactical application, the bronze medalist at Paris 2024 knows that playing alongside the Nation can be a game-changer for the Rio team. If they win, Sesc RJ Flamengo will face the winner of the match between Dentil Praia Clube and Sesi Bauru.

"It's a game where we need to be imposing. Our fans will be fundamental in helping to create an atmosphere of pressure, and Maracanãzinho is the perfect stage for that. Batavo Mackenzie is coming for everything and has already proven that it's a dangerous team. We'll try to correct some details compared to our last victory. The best part is that we're showing the strength of our team, with everyone supporting each other and focused on the same goal," said Tainara.

Sesc RJ Flamengo has standout individual players in the Superliga statistics. Outside hitter Simone Lee is the competition's top scorer with 447 points, while opposite hitter Tainara is in sixth place with 332. The American player is also the top scorer in serving, with 26 aces. In attack, middle blocker Lorena ranks fourth with a 51,1% success rate. 

Sesc RJ Flamengo reached the top of the podium in the national competition in the 1997/1998 and 1999/2000 seasons (both in Curitiba), 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 (in Rio de Janeiro).

The 2025/2026 Superliga features 12 teams, which will face each other in a home-and-away format. The quarterfinals will feature the top eight teams from the qualifying phase in a best-of-three playoff. The semifinals will also be best-of-three, while the final will be a single-game series.

Accreditation

Journalists interested in covering the match between Sesc RJ Flamengo and Batavo Mackenzie must register by emailing jonas@raipecomunicacao.com.br with their full name, the media outlet they work for, and their ID number by 12:00 PM on the day of the match.

Check out the Sesc RJ Flamengo matches in the Superliga quarterfinals.

March 31.03st (Tuesday), at 18:30 PM - Batavo Mackenzie 1 x 3 Sesc RJ Flamengo - Mackenzie Esporte Clube (MG) 

April 03.04rd (Friday), 18:30 PM - Sesc RJ Flamengo vs. Batavo Mackenzie - Maracanãzinho (Rio de Janeiro) - SporTV2 and VBTV

April 08.04th (Wednesday), at 18:30 PM - Sesc RJ Flamengo vs. Batavo Mackenzie - Maracanãzinho (Rio de Janeiro) - If necessary - SporTV2 and VBTV