Sesc RJ Flamengo falls to Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro Championship

Sesc RJ Flamengo fell short against Fluminense on Saturday, October 10, losing 3-1 in sets with scores of 20-25, 24-26, 25-17, and 21-25 at Tijuca Tênis Clube in the second and final round of the Rio de Janeiro Championship. Coach Bernardinho's squad has already secured a spot in the triangular final and now focuses on adjustments ahead of the rematch with their rivals on Tuesday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Hebraica, with the state title on the line.

Opposite hitter Tainara led the scoring with 24 points, followed by middle blocker Lorena, who contributed 14 (eight from attacks at 80% efficiency and six blocks). American outside hitter Simone Lee added 13.

"It's a result we didn't want. It's a classic match, and we had the responsibility to maintain home-court advantage in the final, as we have historically. But it happens—we lost. Now it's time to bounce back, study the opposition even more carefully, and put in a better performance in the match that decides the championship on Tuesday," said captain and libero Laís.

The most decorated champion of the Rio championship, Sesc RJ Flamengo pursues its 21st title. The Rubro-Negro claimed the trophy in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Sesc RJ Flamengo squad for the 2026/2027 season

Setters: Giovana and Vívian

Opposite hitters: Jaque Schmitz and Tainara

Outside hitters: Ariele, Karina, Mikaela, and Simone Lee

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

Liberos: Laís and Victoria

Note: Middle blocker Nayla and outside hitter Gi Perrota, from Flamengo's youth academy, are part of the Sesc RJ Flamengo roster for the Rio Championship.

Sesc RJ Flamengo fixtures in the 2026 Rio de Janeiro Championship

Oct. 6 (Tuesday) – Tijuca Tênis Clube 0 × 3 Sesc RJ Flamengo – Tijuca Tênis Clube

Oct. 10 (Saturday), 7:30 p.m. – Sesc RJ Flamengo 1 × 3 Fluminense – Tijuca Tênis Clube

Oct. 13 (Tuesday), 6:30 p.m. – Fluminense vs. Sesc RJ Flamengo

Venue: Hebraica

Broadcast: Flamengo TV and SporTV2