Libby's La Laguna Fights for Home Queen's Cup Spot
Tenerife Libby's La Laguna faces a critical match today against Arenal Emevé, needing a win to secure a top-eight finish and qualify for the prestigious Queen's Cup, which they are set to host.
It's a crucial time for Tenerife Libby's La Laguna. With only two games left in the first half of the season, the team is currently tenth out of 12. They desperately need to earn points to climb into the top eight of the Iberdrola League. Finishing in the top eight would secure them a spot in the prestigious Queen's Cup, which is set to take place in La Laguna at the end of January.
With everything on the line, and no room for mistakes, coach Guillermo Orduna's team will play host to Arenal Emevé this afternoon at 6:00 PM at Pablos Abril. Arenal Emevé is currently ninth, just one spot and one point ahead of La Laguna. Given that their next match is a tough away game against second-placed Heidelberg of Gran Canaria, anything less than a full three points today (meaning a win in four sets or fewer) would almost certainly knock La Laguna out of the cup competition.
Tenerife Libby's La Laguna comes into this game after a close 3-1 loss to Haro Rioja, a match decided by fine margins. Arenal Emevé also suffered a 3-1 defeat in their last outing, against Heidelberg.
Meanwhile, in the men's Superliga, Cisneros La Laguna is playing its second home game in just three days. Coach Miguel Rivera's team, who lost 1-3 to Melilla on Wednesday, will host Voleibol Leganés today at 5:00 PM.
Unlike Libby's, Cisneros is looking to defend its strong league position. Currently eighth, the La Laguna side will face ninth-placed Voleibol Leganés. The Madrid team lost 0-3 to Guaguas in their midweek game and has yet to earn any points away from home this season, making them seem like a favorable opponent at Juan Ríos Tejera.
Superliga 2
In the women's Superliga 2, a key match in Group A sees league leaders Cuesta Piedra visit second-placed Leganés at 7:00 PM. Also in Group A, Arona will play Chamberí at 6:00 PM. In Group B, Élite El Rosario heads to Sant Cugat's court for a 2:00 PM game, while in Group C, Aguere will visit Emalsa Gran Canaria tomorrow at 4:00 PM.
For the men's Superliga 2 teams, Cisneros B will host Zaragoza at 8:30 PM. On Sunday, Arona Spring in Motion will play against Volei Prat, who are currently at the bottom of the league, at 4:30 PM.