Hawks Bring Energy and Determination to Opening Day at NR

The Hawks’ tournament journey began with high expectations as the EABH delegation left school and headed to NR. After the trip and arrival, anticipation turned into action: girls’ basketball and boys’ soccer teams opened their campaigns with demanding matchups and the first opportunities to represent EABH on the court and field.

Our athletes faced tough competition on opening day, but both girls’ and boys’ teams showed determination from start to finish. From taking the lead against the defending basketball champions to producing determined defensive stands on the soccer field, EABH’s opening day featured contributions that went well beyond the final scores.

The girls’ basketball faced ISC (International School of Curitiba), the defending champions, whose roster includes competitive club players. The Lady Hawks met that challenge with a strong opening quarter, immediately putting themselves in the contest. During the first half, EABH put together scoring sequences that brought the teams level and briefly sent the Hawks ahead.

There was every reason to keep believing in the matchup.

EABH’s defense was a particular strength, helping the Lady Hawks stay competitive against experienced opposition. Although the team could not convert enough of its shooting opportunities to secure the win, the opening stretches showed its ability to challenge a strong opponent. ISC eventually finished ahead, 34–21, but the Lady Hawks had delivered several encouraging moments to carry into their next game.

Ester (15) led the way offensively with 15 points and made an impact at the other end, too. As an ISC player attempted a basket, Ester blocked the shot, denying the scoring opportunity with an impressive defensive intervention. Laura Calixto (12) added six points, while Gabi Muzzi (2) stood out for her work on the boards, battling to secure rebounds for EABH.

One of the game’s most memorable plays belonged to Addie (8). Taking on three defenders, she dribbled past the opposition and finished the play with a layup, showing confident individual effort against the reigning champions.

The opener also gave nearly the entire roster an opportunity to take the court. Mafe Vallerini (7) did not play  as she continued to recover from a knee injury, while her teammates gained valuable minutes against ISC. Gabi Muzzi capped her performance with the sportsmanship award, recognizing the encouragement and support she offered the team throughout the game.

That recognition gave the Hawks another reason to celebrate one of their own.

On the soccer field, EABH took on EARJ in an intense encounter that began with a closely contested first half. The Hawks competed on equal terms for stretches, created chances and reached halftime just one goal behind, with plenty still to play for.

Rafael Tinti, wearing number 10, was a constant source of effort in attack. His running and repeated involvement in scoring opportunities kept EABH pushing forward and kept EARJ’s defense under pressure. The Hawks continued searching for a breakthrough, with Rafael and Luigi (8) central to several of their most promising moments.

In defense, EABH’s players stepped up with important interventions. Chase Mason (4) provided strong coverage, while Tiziano Vorcaro (9) intercepted passes to break up EARJ’s attacking moves. Their work helped the Hawks protect dangerous areas and support goalkeeper Massi (1).

Massi’s contribution extended beyond his saves. His long goal kicks sent the ball deep into the opposing half, helping EABH move quickly into attack and creating opportunities for teammates further up the field.

He was also involved in one of the match’s most dramatic defensive sequences. When EARJ delivered a cross into the six-yard box, Massi came out to challenge for the ball. A rebound off an opposing player kept the danger alive, but Chase stepped in to provide cover as the Hawks combined to prevent a goal. It was a determined piece of defending, with players backing one another up when EABH needed them.

The physical contest brought setbacks that tested the squad. EABH’s midfield had been a major strength, making the loss of Filipe Duarte (13) particularly significant. A heavy challenge to his ankle forced him off the field for medical assessment, disrupting the Hawks’ rhythm in a key area. The challenge grew when Cristiano (7) received a second yellow card and was sent off. Without Filipe and down to ten players, EABH struggled to maintain its earlier intensity and keep pace with a strong opponent.

There was reassuring news after Filipe’s assessment: according to the information received, an X-ray showed no signs of a serious injury. The Hawks will be rooting for a smooth recovery and hoping to see him represent EABH again during the tournament.

With the team needing contributions across the squad, Pedro Gonzaga (18), Daniel Baratz (11) and Bernardo Menin (17) entered later in the match. Their introductions brought more Hawks into the action, giving them an opportunity to contribute in a demanding opening fixture.

EARJ added two goals after Filipe’s departure, making the most of its opportunities. Yet the score alone does not capture EABH’s competitive first half, Rafael’s work in attack or the defensive interventions that repeatedly kept the Hawks in the fight. The match required the team to respond to both an injury and a sending-off, adding to the challenge of an already intense encounter.

Opening day gave EABH plenty to take into its next fixtures. The basketball team showed it could put the defending champions under pressure, while the soccer team created opportunities and demonstrated the value of players supporting one another through difficult passages of play.

Now the Hawks have their first tournament minutes behind them and fresh opportunities ahead. With strong individual contributions, experience across both rosters and the determination to turn promising passages into results, EABH heads into the next day ready to compete again. Let's go, Hawks!