Sesc RJ Flamengo defeats Fluminense and is Rio de Janeiro champion for the 20th time

Sesc RJ Flamengo lifted the Campeonato Carioca trophy for the 20th time in history. On Monday night (13.10), coach Bernardinho's team showed its strength by beating Fluminense 3 sets to 2, with scores of 17-25, 27-25, 18-25 and 25-18 and 15-13, at a packed Tijuca Tênis Clube. It is the Rubro-Negro's second title in the 2025/2026 season, after winning the Taça Brasil, in Londrina, in September.

After a subpar start, Sesc RJ Flamengo showed patience and heart. Bernardinho's changes proved effective. Opposite Tainara was the match's top scorer with 19 points, followed by outside hitters Simone Lee with 14 and Helena with 12.

"We came with a game plan that didn't work. We weren't efficient at the beginning. And there, in that moment of pressure, one looked at the other and asked: 'What now? What are we going to do?' And we managed to find a way with the changes that Bernardo made. Mass entered the game very well. It ended up being a safety ball. The returns of Simone Lee and Karina also provided a balance. Before, Helena and Mikaela contributed in important moments. In the end, we brought a lot of energy to the court. This is what a team is all about. Let's go for it. Now it's time to rest a bit and go all out for the Superliga," said setter Giovana.

Captain of the red-and-black team, libero Laís was named the match's best player and highlighted the team's strong work at the start of the season. The red-and-black team's campaign in the state championship has seen four wins and only one loss.

"Each game is the result of extensive work, right from the start of preseason. So, the entire group's participation was crucial in both titles. Today, our squad showed they want to fight and get results. It was a lot of heart, but thanks to fine-tuning and a touch of connection, we were able to turn the game in our favor," said Laís.

In the Campeonato Carioca, which also featured Tijuca Tênis Clube, the three participants faced each other in a round-robin format, and the top two competed for the cup.

Sesc RJ Flamengo lifted the Carioca trophy on the following occasions: 2004; 2005; 2006; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014; 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Sesc RJ Flamengo is now focused on its debut in the Superliga, on October 20th, at 18:30 pm, against Paulistano Barueri, at Tijuca Tênis Clube.

Check out Sesc RJ Flamengo's campaign in the Campeonato Carioca

01.10 (Wednesday): Sesc RJ Flamengo 3 x 0 Tijuca Tennis Club - Tijuca Tennis Club

03.10 (Friday): Sesc RJ Flamengo 1 x 3 Fluminense - Tijuca Tennis Club

07.10 (Tuesday): Tijuca Tennis Club 0 x 3 Sesc RJ Flamengo - Tijuca Tennis Club

09.10 (Thursday): Fluminense 1 x 3 Sesc RJ Flamengo - Hebraica

13.10 (Monday): Sesc RJ Flamengo 3 x 2 Fluminense - Final - Tijuca Tennis Club