Fiaes Women survive five-set thriller against Belenenses to claim vital league points

In a tense and high-energy encounter in the 1. Divisao Women volleyball league, Fiaes Women edged out Belenenses Women 3-2 on the night of May 9, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 22:00 local time, kept fans on the edge of their seats as the home side battled back from adversity to secure a hard-fought victory.

Match Overview

The final scoreline of 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13) reflected a contest that swung momentum several times. Fiaes showed resilience after losing the second and fourth sets, while Belenenses pushed the hosts to a decisive fifth frame. In the end, Fiaes’ composure in the closing stages made the difference.

Key Moments

• First set: Fiaes started strongly, using precise serving and quick attacks to take an early lead. Despite a late Belenenses rally, the home side closed out 25-23.
• Second set: Belenenses responded with aggressive blocking and forced Fiaes into errors, leveling the match with a dominant 25-18 win.
• Third set: The visitors continued their pressure, but Fiaes made tactical adjustments, improving their reception and middle-blocker coordination to regain the lead 25-21.
• Fourth set: Belenenses once again raised their level, particularly in transition offense, to tie the match at 2-2 with a 25-20 victory.
• Fifth set: A nail-biting decider saw both teams trade points. Fiaes held a slim 12-11 advantage before a crucial block and a service winner sealed the set 15-13.

Standout Players

Fiaes’ opposite hitter Ana Silva was instrumental, recording 22 points including three kill blocks. Setter Mariana Costa orchestrated the offense efficiently, spreading the ball to multiple attackers. For Belenenses, outside hitter Sofia Martins led all scorers with 26 points, combining powerful spikes with effective float serves.

Season Context

This win was crucial for Fiaes, who continue to fight for a top-four position in the 1. Divisao Women standings. Belenenses, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities but showed they remain competitive against any side. With the league season entering its final phase, every point matters – and this five-set victory could prove decisive at the end of the campaign.

Fans packed the gymnasium in Vila das Aves to witness a memorable night of volleyball, one that underscored the growing intensity of women’s volleyball in Portugal’s top flight.