Arecibo Captains are Puerto Rican champions

ARECIBO, Puerto Rico, December 15, 2014 -  Arecibo Captains are the champions of the Puerto Rican Men’s Volleyball Superior League after defeating Guaynabo Mets 4-1 in the best-of-seven final series which concluded on Saturday at Manuel “Petaca” Iguina Coliseum of Arecibo.

The victory earned the Captains the right to represent NORCECA Confederation at the FIVB Men’s Club World Championship scheduled in Brazil in May 2015.

Arecibo took the victory in the fifth match 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 25-19 y 25-19) with veteran Hector “Picky” Soto leading the win with 16 points, all via spikes. Roberto Muñiz and Maurice Torres contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively, in the victory.

The effective defense at the net by the Captains was one of the keys for the victory in the final match. They scored 16 points with blocks, including 6 by Muñiz.

Jorge Mencía had a match-high 17 points in the losing effort while Yunieski Ramirez and Edwin Montaño finished with 16 and 10, respectively, for the Mets.

Arecibo’s middle blocker David Menendez was named the Most Valuable Player of the Final Series.

“I never imagined myself winning an MVP,” Menendez said, “especially being surrounded with so many stars in this team.

“It is really difficult to explain my feelings, I am short of words to express the meaning,” Menendez added. “Thanks to my teammates for their support as I was able to give my best and there are the fruits of the effort.”

Summary of Final Series

Guaynabo d Arecibo 3-1 (26-28, 28-26, 25-21, 25-23) on December 5

Arecibo d Guaynabo 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 20-25, 28-26) on December 7

Arecibo d Guaynabo 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-22) on December 9

Arecibo d Guaynabo 3-2 (22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 15-13) on December 11

Arecibo d Guaynabo 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19) on December 13