Sesc RJ Flamengo begins 2026/27 season in rivalry clash against Fluminense

Sesc RJ Flamengo kick off their 2026/27 campaign this Thursday, September 24, in a classic showdown against Fluminense at the SuperVolley Cup, with kick-off at 7 p.m. at Arena Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. SporTV 2 and Flamengo TV will broadcast the match live. Tickets are sold out.

Bernardinho's squad reconvened in early June with limited player availability due to international commitments, focusing on physical conditioning work at the Army Physical Education School (EsEFEx). Despite limited preparation time with the full roster, the athletes are motivated to fine-tune their approach ahead of the Superleague.

"Starting fresh is always challenging, especially against strong opponents like Fluminense and Dentil Praia Clube. But we love being on court. That's what drives us. We've trained intensely over recent months, even with a reduced group, and we're excited to feel the taste of match play again," said captain and libero Laís.

Reaching last season's Superleague Feminina semifinals, Sesc RJ Flamengo will field two academy reinforcements for the SuperVolley Cup: 19-year-old middle blocker Nayla (6'8") and 20-year-old outside hitter Giovanna Perrota (5'11"). Serbian middle Minja Osmajić is recovering from a fractured right ring finger, while outside hitter Karina continues rehabilitation following a fractured ankle.

Sesc RJ Flamengo recently welcomed back opposite Tainara, middle blocker Lorena, and setter Vívian. The trio earned gold medals with Brazil's national team at the South American Championship at Maracanãzinho, securing their Olympic berth for Los Angeles 2028.

"We have a solid, unified core and reinforcements who will support our development process. We've had to manage some injuries, but the group is strong and every player is supporting one another to build team strength each day," Laís added.

This inaugural edition of the SuperVolley Cup features three participants. Bernardinho's side will face Dentil/Praia Clube again on Saturday, September 26, at 7 p.m., a rematch of last season's Superleague Feminina semifinal.

Beyond the SuperVolley Cup, Sesc RJ Flamengo will play a friendly against Dentil Praia Clube on October 3 at 7 p.m. in Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul. Next comes the Rio State Championship, October 6–13. On October 19, the team opens its Superleague campaign against Paulistano Barueri at 9 p.m. at Tijuca Tennis Club.

Sesc RJ Flamengo SuperVolley Cup fixtures:

September 24 - 7 p.m. - Sesc RJ Flamengo vs. Fluminense - SporTV2 and Flamengo TV

September 26 - 7 p.m. - Dentil/Praia Clube vs. Sesc RJ Flamengo - SporTV2 and Flamengo TV

Sesc RJ Flamengo 2026/27 roster:

Setters: Giovana, Vívian

Opposites: Jaque Schmitz, Tainara

Outside hitters: Ariele, Karina, Mikaela, Simone Lee

Middle blockers: Bia Paranhos, Juju, Lorena, Minja Osmajić

Liberos: Laís, Victoria