ZARAGOZA, March 23, 2025 – In an exhilarating finale at the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe, Hozono Global Jairis made history by clinching their first-ever Copa de la Reina title, defeating the formidable Perfumerías Avenida 67-59.
The match saw the Alcantarilla-based team rise to an unexpected prominence, considering this was their first participation in this coveted tournament. Jairis, under the guidance of coach Bernat Canut, showcased remarkable persistence and skill, especially during the pivotal third quarter where they established a commanding 14-point lead, outscoring their opponents 28-14 in that period.
The triumph came after a rollercoaster of a tournament for Jairis, who first knocked out the highly favored Valencia Basket before overcoming Spar Girona in the semifinals. Their resilience proved pivotal as they faced Avenida, the reigning champions with ten titles under their belt. Despite Avenida's early control, Jairis managed to turn the tide, thanks in large part to standout performances from Lou López-Sénéchal and Aina Ayuso.
López-Sénéchal was the standout player, netting an impressive 27 points, while Ayuso, who also captivated spectators with her talent, accumulated 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, earning her the tournament's MVP award. The game began steadily, with both teams exchanging leads, but a crucial three-point shot by López-Sénéchal just before halftime gave Jairis a slight edge, leading 25-23 at the break.
The second half marked a defining moment for Jairis. They ignited their offense with remarkable energy and teamwork that left Avenida struggling to keep up. With their remarkable 19-2 run, the scoreboard showed 50-30, providing Jairis with a significant cushion. This surge wasn't without its challenges, however, as Avenida's captain, Silvia Domínguez, rallied her team in a valiant attempt to chip away at the lead with her own scoring.
As the final quarter unfolded, Perfumerías Avenida managed to close the gap significantly, pulling within just one point at 56-55. Yet, the experience and composure of Hozono Global Jairis shone through in the clutch moments. A critical three-pointer from López-Sénéchal revitalized their lead to 63-55 with just under two minutes remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
Coach Bernat Canut reflected on the journey of his team, sharing insights about their strategy and mental preparation leading up to this monumental match. He stated, "We came into this tournament as the underdogs, but we've fought hard every step of the way, believing in our capabilities. Today our hard work paid off, and we hope this victory inspires future generations."
The atmosphere in Zaragoza was electric as fans celebrated this historic win for Hozono Global Jairis. The team, which relatively recently ascended to the top division, has quickly established itself among Spain's elite basketball clubs, showcasing both grit and talent throughout the tournament.
This triumph does not just represent a trophy; it epitomizes the spirit of the team and their dedication to the sport. With this championship, Hozono Global Jairis aims to continue its ascent, not only focusing on upcoming matches in the regular league, where they currently sit in fifth place with 16 victories but also looking toward future tournaments.
This Copa de la Reina victory not only marks a significant milestone for the ladies of Hozono Global Jairis but also stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female athletes across the country. The future looks bright for this team as they now hold a proud place in the annals of Spanish women's basketball.
