Day 1: BACK TO THE COURT

Against PASPOA, EABH stepped into a match where every second mattered. On the volleyball court, PASPOA, with a challenging approach, set the stage with several serves and defense techniques that put the Hawks under pressure. The Hawks were already facing a strong attack from the very start.

At 15-14 in favor of PASPOA, a huddle amongst EABH athletes and coaches shifted the energy on the court; what followed was the turning point. With resilience and confidence, the Hawks didn’t fail to display their eagerness; after tying the game at 18-18, they reestablished their presence in the match.

As the match developed, moments of strong tension began to arise, and PASPOA edged ahead once again, reaching 22-21. For a second, the Huskies threatened to take control, but the Hawks refused to let the set slip away. With focus and control, EABH shifted their focus back to the game, once again tying the score. 

As tensions increased, the scoreboard marked 24-24, setting the stage for a “vai a dois”. Under maximum pressure, Bernardo Dias stepped up to represent EABH, delivering a decisive run that shifted the momentum entirely. His serving precision allowed the Hawks to close out the first set 26-24, sealing an intense match in their favor.

The second set began with EABH in control. The Hawks quickly established a strong lead, reaching 11-5 with confidence and collaboration–as they always do. Bernardo Dias once again contributed with a key serving streak, reinforcing the team's early dominance. PASPOA Huskies, however, responded quickly, tightening the game and regaining momentum. A key block from Massi and Chase brought the score back to 17-17, keeping the Hawks alive, but in the final points, PASPOA proved more efficient as the set was closed 25-23. 

The match came down to a decisive third set, this time, up to 15 points. With both teams working toward a common objective, tension grew with every point scored. Rafael Tinti's attack at 11-11 kept EABH engaged at the match, but PASPOA reached match point at 14-13 and secured the win.

If volleyball was a battle of momentum for the Hawks, futsal against Graded had a different approach: one of resilience.

The Lady Hawks got off to a rough start. Only a few minutes into the first half, Graded found the net, immediately putting EABH under pressure. Despite the early setback, our goalkeeper Gabriela Muzzi stood out with crucial saves, showing the team’s defensive strength and representing the school's spirit in a difficult moment. Unfortunately, with minutes remaining in the half, Graded struck again, putting EABH on the spot. 

The second half demanded more from the Hawks; not just tactically, but mentally. 

With only four minutes left in the game, Gabi stepped out of the goal, leaving an opportunity for Graded to extend their lead once again. The match, which was already defined by challenge and pressure, had  the Hawks pushed even further. Fortunately, with just two minutes remaining, Emanuelle delivered what the Hawks promised–a goal that cut through all the pressure and reawakened the team's energy, acting as a reminder of the team's capability.

As the second half of the tournament gets underway, today’s matches showed that the level of competition remains high. Not every game is about control; some are about the players’ responses when everything seems against them, and in both matches, that response defined EABH. With moments of challenge and pressure, EABH begins this new stage carrying momentum, focus, and the determination to continue building what has already been achieved.