Sesc RJ launches Rio title bid with Carioca Championship debut
Defending champions seek 21st state crown, face Tijuca in opener Tuesday at 6pm
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Sesc RJ Flamengo, the defending Carioca champions, begin their pursuit of a 21st state title on Tuesday (October 6) against Tijuca Tênis Clube at 6pm, kicking off the triangular-format championship at Tijuca's venue. Bernardinho's side aim to extend their dominance with the match broadcast live on Flamengo TV.
The squad has already claimed silverware this season following their Copa SuperVôlei triumph in September. Flamengo defeated Fluminense 3-1 and Dentil Praia Clube 3-2 in Niterói to lift the trophy as they look to build momentum ahead of the state tournament.
However, the team suffered a setback last Saturday, falling to Dentil Praia in the All-Stars Game in Campo Bom (Rio Grande do Sul) in a tie-break. With several players recently returned from international duty with their national teams, Flamengo are in an integration phase where each match offers crucial competitive time.
"We are working as a group to form an increasingly cohesive unit," said spiker Mikaela. "The girls have just returned from their national teams and had limited time to build understanding with the rest of the squad, but we're showing resilience and unity to overcome difficulties and reach our best level. The Carioca is an important challenge and we hope to take lessons from the last defeat to make a strong debut against Tijuca."
Flamengo will be without Serbian centre-back Minja Osmajić, who continues recovery from a right-hand third-finger fracture, and spiker Karina, currently rehabbing after a right-ankle fracture.
After Tuesday's opener, Flamengo face Fluminense on Saturday (October 10) at 7:30pm, again at Tijuca's home. The top two teams from the group stage advance to the final on October 13 at the higher-seeded team's venue.
Sesc RJ holds the most Carioca Championship titles in history, lifting 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 roster
Setters: Giovana, Vívian
Opposites: Jaque Schmitz, Tainara
Spikes: Ariele, Karina, Mikaela, Simone Lee
Centres: Bia Paranhos, Juju, Lorena, Minja Osmajić
Liberos: Laís, Victoria
Sesc RJ Flamengo – Rio Carioca Championship 2026 fixtures
October 6, 6pm – Tijuca Tênis Clube vs Sesc RJ Flamengo – Tijuca venue
Broadcast: Flamengo TV
October 10, 7:30pm – Sesc RJ Flamengo vs Fluminense
Broadcast: Flamengo TV
October 13 – Final, TBD
Venue: Higher-seeded team's home
Time: 6:30pm
Broadcast: Flamengo TV and sportv2.
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