Quarterfinals of Puerto Rican League start on Tuesday

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 10, 2017 – The regular series of the Puerto Rican Women’s Superior League concluded on Sunday with a spectacular match held in Caguas between Criollas and Leonas de Ponce, setting up the stage for the quarterfinals phase starting on Tuesday.

The teams making into the quarterfinals are, from Group A: Caguas (first place, 59 points, 20-4), Juncos (third place, 53, 18-6) and Carolina (sixth place, 28, 9-15). And from Group B: Ponce (second place, 55, 18-6), Mayaguez (fourth place, 41, 13-11) and Humacao (fifth place, 34, 12-12).

The series start on Tuesday with two matches, Carolina visiting Juncos in Pool A and Ponce travelling to Mayaguez.

Juncos dominated the series against Carolina, winning two matches in three sets as visitors while Gigantes won in five sets at Valencianas’ home.

The Gigantes had a strong finish claiming victories over Caguas and Humacao. The team coached by Xiomara Molero counts on the offense from imported players Kyra Holt and Nicole Watch. Juncos, one of the favorites since the start of the season after putting together a group of established players like Vilmarie Mojica, Yarimar Rosa and Xaimara Colon with rookie Paulina Prieto an middle blocker Paige Tabb.

The Pool B promises to be the scene of quarterfinals battles. The Indias start at home against a team they have had three tough matches but won the last contest with comfort playing as visitors.

Mayaguez features a veteran squad with Sarai Alvarez (the league all-time scoring leader) with three experienced middle blockers in Amanda Vasquez, Shannon Torregrosa and Jetzabel Del Valle. The work done by Raymariely Santos with this group has confirmed her as one of the best setter in the league. Their imported player Kalei Mau has done a great job and the Indians now add Taylor Simpson who will have the chance to open against her former team.

Ponce arrives with the inspiration coming from their comeback victory over Caguas on Sunday. The Leones added Haley Eckerman who is a proven imported player in the league to join Gina Mancuso. The southern team will rely strongly on the job by middle blockers Janelis Torres and Dulce Tellez. The squad coached by Ramon “Monchito” Hernández faces the challenge of being one of the pre-tournament favorites.

Caguas and Humacao have a rest day on Tuesday.