Sesc RJ Flamengo Opens Carioca Championship with Dominant Win over Tijuca

Sesc RJ Flamengo made a commanding start to the Carioca Championship on Tuesday with a 3-0 victory over Tijuca Tennis Club, claiming sets 25-16, 25-7, and 25-18 at Tijuca gymnasium. Coach Bernardinho's side now sets sights on a semifinal showdown against Fluminense on Saturday at 19:30 at the same venue, where home-court advantage will be theirs. Tickets are on sale through the Guichê Web platform.

Facing Tijuca's U-21 squad, Bernardinho seized the opportunity to rotate his roster and test fresh combinations. The tactician fielded an alternative lineup, resting stars including opposite Tainara and middle blocker Lorena. Opposite Jaque Schmitz and outside hitter Ariele led the scoring effort, each finishing with 14 points.

Among the standout performers was 20-year-old middle blocker Bia Paranhos, who made her debut in Flamengo's starting lineup. The São Paulo native, standing 1.85m tall, graduated to the senior squad this season after progressing through the club's academy and expressed gratitude for the chance to compete at the highest level.

"I focused on putting into practice everything we've worked on in training. Our team has been putting in the hard work both on court and in the gym. We've had training trips, played friendlies. I stepped on court with the purpose of enjoying the moment. It's an incredible opportunity to be here with this group, training alongside names like Bernardinho, Tainara, and the others. It's unimaginable. I'm very happy. Now it's about focusing on Fluminense, who have a strong collective and it will be a tougher match. We'll work hard and we're going for it," Paranhos said.

The Carioca final is scheduled for next Tuesday at the higher seed's home venue. Seeking their second trophy of the campaign after winning the Copa SuperVôlei in September, Flamengo will follow the state championship with their Superliga Feminina debut on October 19 at 21:00 against Paulistano Barueri, also at Tijuca gymnasium.

As the state championship's most decorated franchise, Flamengo pursue back-to-back titles and their 21st Carioca crown. The Rubro-Negro have 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 2026/2027 Squad

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

Note: Middle blocker Nayla and outside hitter Gi Perrota, from Flamengo's youth academy, are also part of the squad for the Carioca Championship.

Sesc RJ Flamengo – Carioca Championship 2026 Schedule

October 6 – Tijuca Tennis Club 0 x 3 Sesc RJ Flamengo – Tijuca gymnasium

October 10, 19:30 – Sesc RJ Flamengo x Fluminense – Tijuca gymnasium
Broadcast: Flamengo TV

October 13, 18:30 – Final, TBA
Venue: Higher seed's home venue
Broadcast: Flamengo TV and SporTV2