Smile Cosenza Pallanuoto have been crowned the inaugural Women’s Conference Cup champions after edging CN Sant Feliu 14–13 in a dramatic final in Athens, completing a perfect 10-from-10 campaign.
For much of the contest, the Italian side looked firmly in control. Clinical in attack and composed defensively, Cosenza built a commanding advantage across the first three quarters, only to be pushed to the brink by a relentless Sant Feliu comeback that fell just short in the closing stages.
Cosenza made their intentions clear early. After a cautious opening, they struck twice in quick succession before Nikki Mejier added a third, setting the tone for a dominant first period. By the end of the second quarter, the Italians had established a 8–4 lead, with Federica Morrone and Marta Misiti key in maintaining momentum.
The game appeared to be slipping away from Sant Feliu early in the third. Iva Rozic capped a devastating Cosenza run to push the score to 10–4, and even as both sides traded goals, the Italians still held a comfortable 11–5 advantage midway through the period.
But the Spanish side refused to fold.
A sudden burst of intensity saw Sant Feliu score three quick goals to reignite the contest, cutting the deficit to 12–9 by the end of the third quarter. That momentum carried into the final period, where Mari Duenas and Anneliese Miller brought the gap down to three, before Marta Ungria took over.
Ungria struck three consecutive goals, including a penalty, to bring Sant Feliu within one at 13–12 with under three minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish.
At a crucial moment, Morrone delivered again for Cosenza, restoring a two-goal cushion with a composed finish. Ungria responded once more from the penalty spot to make it 14–13 with 1:46 left, but despite two late opportunities, Sant Feliu were unable to find the equaliser.
The final whistle sparked celebrations for Cosenza, who held their nerve to secure a historic first Conference Cup title, completing a flawless tournament run.
Earlier in the day, hosts Panionios GSS claimed the bronze medal with a 13–10 victory over CN Tenerife Echeyde. In a tightly contested match, the Greek side pulled away in the closing minutes, with Sofia Lampropoulou and Margarita Bitsakou playing decisive roles.
In the placement matches, NC Chania secured fifth place with an 18–12 win over ZAVK Mladost, while Galatasaray Zena finished seventh after defeating CSM Unirea Alba Iulia 11–5.
But the day belonged to Cosenza, whose blend of attacking firepower and resilience under pressure proved decisive, as they etched their name into history as the first-ever Women’s Conference Cup champions.
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