Blanca Arcos Pineda (born in Seville in 2005) is preparing for a special Liga Iberdrola semifinal, as she will face her former team, Fundación Cajasol Andalucía. The young athlete from CV Emalsa Gran Canaria shared her thoughts on this crucial and highly anticipated match.
“"The first match is key. We want to be strong at home and start the series on the right foot. We approach it with a final mentality, knowing how important it is."
Arcos recalled the intense quarter-final series against Melilla, describing it as an emotional "rollercoaster." The team showed character and quality by coming back after an initial loss, an aspect the player attributes to collective effort and confidence.
Regarding the match against Cajasol, her former team, Arcos acknowledged it will be "very special" due to the memories and people she cherishes at the club. However, she emphasized that once the game starts, the priority is to compete and give her all for her current team. She fondly remembered her beginnings at Cajasol, where she experienced "unique championships and experiences."
The player warned that Cajasol is a "complete team" arriving with confidence, which promises a "very demanding" series. Despite this, she trusts her team's hard work to overcome this challenge. The fans at the Arena, who have been a fundamental pillar this season, will be crucial for CV Emalsa Gran Canaria, which has only suffered one home defeat in the Liga Iberdrola.
“"The fans are noticeable and give us an extra boost of energy in difficult moments. When the stadium pushes, it drives you to give a little more on every ball."
Although regular season matches serve as a reference, Arcos noted that a semifinal is "another story," with different pressure and intensity. The player approaches this new semifinal with the same enthusiasm and desire, aware of the responsibility and what is at stake for the team.
