The historic anthem of the institution on Avenida Legrand reads: “…now, as in past years, once again they are the best, still imposing themselves…”. This was special: it was Malvín’s first championship with a professional women’s team.
It didn’t happen before, the club was used to winning the same cup with a different flavour. In fact, it took 15 years in a row, filling the showcase and generating a hegemony that mixed the pleasure of raising the cup with the need to compete with another requirement.
This time it was sold out in the Larre Borges gym. Yes, nearly a thousand people paid to see a women’s basketball game. Inside there were the same people who continue to play for the love of the shirt, even if from last year to the end of the month they receive a salary. This gives you much greater value than any salary. It was a spectacular definition.
In the game, Malvín was more collective, bringing the greats to the perimeter and winning the back door with cuts from Florencia Somma and Carolina Fernández. Those led by Juan Pablo Serdio shared the ball better, always looking for the best-placed teammate and making high-percentage shots. They always started the offensive construction from the walls of Argentina’s Carla Miculka in the central point.
In defense they imposed themselves in the area, a complex problem to decipher for the aguateras who appreciated the good percentages to stay in the game; especially in the first quarter where they only posted a partial double. The rest: four trebles, three of which in the hands of Camila Kirschenbaum.
As the minutes went by, Aguada improved his offensive reading, with penetrations and short discharges for the inmates. Malvín has kept his patience in a moment of crisis, now generated by Miculka’s posts. The big difference in the first half was in the points in the paint: 22 to 8 for the Azzurri from the beach who went into the long break, winning 35-29.
The start of the complement marked what the first half had predicted: Malvín as dominator and Aguada with the need to run from behind in search of the title. Two triples by Fiorella Martinelli and the defense in the 2-3 zone while the flag brings the lead too quickly to 20 points.
Once the initial schemes were broken, Nicolás Altalef’s team took time to establish themselves; key aspect of any return. To make matters worse in attack, he despaired with hasty shots, as if only one shot was enough to regain parity. He took the hit. With serenity he was understanding the script to build little by little; tough defenses and running. Furthermore, two bombshells by Daniela Tovagliari appeared which raised the stage and generated emotion; the rojiverde are seven with just over half a quarter to play.
Basketball League Final 2022.
Photo: Camillo dos Santos
Final nervousness. Heartbeats going faster than recommended. The very high pressure of everyone present and the sporting pressure of the basketball players who tried to cut the net. In an area of uncertainty, Malvín found the right hands by inserting Somma and Miculka. To put the lid on Carolina Fernández has conceded five points in a row, at 19 she seems to carry a lot of definitions of this type. The jug has pasta.
The Roberto Carballal grandstand of the Larre Borges gymnasium rose to applause, blue balls and celebrations which, however repeated, are nonetheless significant and special. The amateur never. Today’s professionals. Actually, the same as always.
Malvín’s fans withdrew with a tight smile and chanting softly: “…now as in previous years…”.
