Ugr | Handball: In search of a medal to make the leap to ‘Third’

One last step to reach glory. The Women’s Handball section of the CD university of Granada faces in Malaga this weekend the promotion phase to division of Honor Silver, the third step of said sport nationwide. Uploading category would be a challenge for a template that, between examination and exam, takes time to score the rival goal.

The Cartuja Campus parquet hosts the constant jumps of the Granadino team players. Most combine sport with their university studies, their main fixation during the year. They also have time to defend on the track the shield of the entity that facilitates training and top -level facilities.

The ‘uni’ ended in fourth position the regular national phase of first National, division that is distributed in different regional leagues. With a total baggage of ten wins, two draws and six losses, the team led by Juanan López got his ticket for the decisive phase of the championship, with the ascent in Liza.

«We have suffered difficulties. New players arrived at the beginning, some from the lower categories, and had to be adapted in the style of the team. We also suffer injuries, but we get up to set a great campaign, ”explains the group coach, Juanan López.

Born in Bailén, the coach directs the ‘uni’ for the third consecutive year. The past already managed to increase the Grenadines to the third national step, a bronze that this 2025 will have an added award. «when the Ramón and Cajal de Ceuta participate with an extra -community square, the two finalists will be classified to the final round and the team that won the match for the third and fourth place of the promotion. The promotion will be disputed with teams outside Andalusia and we want to be there. The ascent tickles us, ”he jokes.

The competition format is complex. The ‘uni’ will face the semifinals on Saturday in front of Maravillas Benalmádena, the leader of the Andalusian group and a whole bone that threatens the interests of the grenadines. In case of defeat, there would still be a second and last chance on the table. «Respect for the rival is maximum. They have very experienced players, although we have known how to compete for the last years. We will fight to go to the final with the ticket to the final phase in the pocket, ”López progresses.

Costa del Sol Málaga and Ciudad de Granada will be the other semifinalists, with an objective identical to that of the university team. In the best case, the two Granada clubs would be measured in a hypothetical final on Sunday at the Diego Carrasco pavilion in the Malaga city with their places more than guaranteed in the following tie. Another scenario would bring an infarction encounter for third place between them, with only one of them keeping the dream of ascent intact.

«It’s about making the leap to a national level category. There are many Andalusians such as Mijas or Montequinto. Competing with them would be a jump for girls. Some have been with me for three years and the ascent would be an unbeatable way to close the cycle. They deserve it, because they sacrifice to combine sport with their studies. They even train on holidays when it touches. They cannot be reproached for anything, ”defends the coach.

Effort

Before each session, the ‘uni’ girls stop by the Cartuja gym. Weights, exercises with ribbons, abdominal tables … The effort is unnegotiable to be able to compete to the fullest of its forces in Malaga. «Ascent really excites us. Some have been playing handball since childhood, dreaming even with arriving at Liga Guerreras Iberdrola – the first category. We know what will involve playing in Silver Honor Division, so we have to be prepared in the tactical, but also in the physical, ”says Alba Hispán, the captain.

Birth Maracenera, the pivot describes the group as a family. A place where to disconnect and establish ties around the ball. «Several of us tattoo some twigs, since when we entered the team they told us that we were the green sprouts. That trust made us join, something key to commitment and not give any game for lost, ”reflects Esperanza Serrano, another pivot, in front of his companions. Thus, dreaming is allowed.