Halcon Avenida have been playing second fiddle to Spain in recent times but make no mistake, this is a team on the rise with Spanish international stars like Anna Montañana and Isabel Sanchez in the fold.

The Salamanca side, who open their EuroLeague Women campaign at home against Wisla Can-Pack Krakow on Wednesday, lost to Ros in the season-opening SuperCopa but they

		Anna Montañana will team with Santos to try to lead Halcon Avenida to the top of Europe.

have reeled off three consecutive wins to start the Liga Femenina.

That run has them top of the standings with Valencia outfit Ros.

In their latest success, a 74-48 mauling of Real Club Celta Vigourban, Avenida got a big contribution from one of their other players who will be key to their season.

Alessandra Santos, the 33-year-old who played for Ros two years ago and made the Rest of the World Team at the EuroLeague Women All-Star Day, now plays for Halcon Avenida and she poured in 16 points in the triumph over Celta Vigourban.

The 2.0m center signed last month for the club after playing last season in the Russian Superleague with Nur Kazan.

"Avenida is a great team in Spain and I'm really happy to be here,” she said. “Without a doubt, I decided to join Salamanca in order to play in the EuroLeague.

“To be able to play in the EuroLeague is a dream for any players as it is the best club tournament in the world.

“I will try to help the team, not only with points."

All eyes will be on Avenida as well because of promising playmaker Silvia Dominguez in their ranks.

The 1.67m Dominguez was the MVP of the 2007 U20 European Championship Women in Bulgaria who led Spain to gold.