Day 3: AS FAST AS A HAWK

EABH entered the game showing strong connection in their plays, with Luigi, Lockz, and Rafa building quick combinations and creating opportunities, while Massi and Filipe anchored a solid defensive start. Despite the early organization and intensity, EAB proved more efficient in front of the goal, building a 3-0 lead by the end of the first half.

Even with the score against them, the Hawks maintained their defensive strength, with Massi delivering crucial saves throughout the match and players like Filipe, Bretas, and Lockz stepping up with key blocks and marking.

The second half brought a clear shift in momentum with Lockz sparking a comeback with a goal, followed by Chase finishing a play assisted by Filipe, cutting the deficit to 3-2. With aggressive attacks from Rafa, quick recoveries, and constant pressure, EABH pushed forward with intensity, while Massi continued to stand out with multiple decisive saves.

Although EAB secured another goal, Massi remained crucial by defending a last-minute penalty, reinforcing his impact throughout the game. The 4-2 result does not reflect the fight shown by the Hawks, whose resilience and individual performances kept the game alive until the very end.

If futsal was a story of chasing the game, volleyball was the opposite. From the start of the game, Brunna set the tone through a dominant serving run that included five aces, building a 10-1 lead. Her consistency from the service line destabilized PACA early, while contributions from players like Summer in the middle and Nina on attack kept the pressure constant.

Defensively, the team remained solid with key saves from Gabi and well-constructed rallies that turned into points for us. Julia Ribeiro added to the momentum with both a block and an ace, closing the set comfortably at 25-14.

The second set wasn’t any different, with Brunna continuing to lead from the service line, while Julia Jorge stood out offensively with powerful, consistent attacks. Carol and Summer reinforced the net with strong blocks, and Bianca contributed defensively, as well as with a crucial ace. With Coach Laura’s constant energy on the sidelines, the LadyHawks maintained focus and motivation, extending their lead point by point, and the set closed 25-8, sealing ANOTHER dominant 2-0 victory.

Following a much tighter match earlier, the boys entered this game with a noticeably calmer approach, translating that composure into control on the court. Even after conceding the opening goal, EABH responded quickly, with Rafa Tinti finding the net and shifting the momentum back in our favor, and from there, the Hawks took over completely.

With strong defensive presence from Massi and consistent pressure in attack, the goals began to flow. Rafa struck again, followed by well-executed plays finished by Filipe and Luigi, each one reflecting the team’s growing connection and confidence. By halftime, EABH had already built a commanding lead, and the intensity did not drop in the second half.

Lockz added another goal, while defensive efforts from Massi and Miguel ensured that PASB had limited chances to respond, even managing a late penalty. The match closed at 7–3, marking a game where composure, teamwork, and efficiency came together to deliver a dominant and controlled performance.

Unlike previous matches, this game demanded more from the LadyHawks. The first set showed early control, with Brunna leading once again from the service line with multiple aces, while strong blocks from Summer, Alice, Nina, and Julia Jorge established dominance at the net. With consistent attacks and smart ball placement, EABH secured the set 25-13.

However, the second set tested the team, as PASPOA increased their pressure, they disrupted EABH’s rhythm and forced a much closer game. For the first time in the tournament, the LadyHawks were pushed out of their comfort zone, with the score tightening to 19-19. Despite the tension, the team responded with composure, as Julia Ribeiro broke the tie, Brunna’s crucial serves and a final attack from Julia Jorge saved the team from despair.

The set closed at 25-21, sealing a 2-0 semi-final victory in a match defined not by dominance, but by resilience. Across four games, one pattern became clear: results alone do not define performance. There were moments of control and struggle, yet one constant remained: effort and connection reflected growth.