Atenienses Stop Criollas and Keep Semifinal Hopes Alive

MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, March 28, 2026. – In the continuation of Section B of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) quarterfinals, Atenienses de Manatí earned an important straight-sets victory over Criollas de Caguas, keeping their semifinal aspirations alive.

Manatí controlled the match with set scores of 25-21, 25-12, and 27-25, securing their first win in three outings in the series.

Meanwhile, Caguas, which was aiming to clinch a direct berth to the next round, now holds a 2-1 record and will have another opportunity on Wednesday, April 1, when they face Leonas de Ponce.

The third set delivered a high-intensity showdown, with both teams trading points in a thrilling finish.

With the score tied at 19-19, Shaylee Myers leveled the set with a spike from zone 4. Emily Elliot then took charge, giving Manatí the lead with a kill from zone 2 (20-19) and extending it to 21-19 with a block against Ana Sofía Jusino.

Elliot continued to lead the offense to make it 22-19, but Caguas responded through Génesis Collazo, who brought her team closer with a spike (22-21) and later tied the set (22-22) with a block on Myers.

Atenienses regained the lead at 23-22 thanks to a kill by Solimar Cestero, and Myers followed with a service ace for 24-22. However, Criollas answered again: Collazo cut it to 24-23 and Jusino tied it to 24-24 with a block on Karla Santos.

Caguas reached set point (25-24) after another block, but Elliot tied it at 25-25 with an attack from zone 2. A hitting error by Collazo gave Manatí the edge again (26-25), and Elliot sealed both the set and the match with another successful spike for the final 27-25.

Emily Elliot led Atenienses’ offense with 22 points, supported by Karla Santos with 10. For Criollas, Jenaisya Moore was the top scorer with 13 points.

Atenienses showed superiority in several statistical categories, outscoring Caguas in attacks (44-32), aces (6-1), digs (83-70), and receptions (35-25).

Caguas led in blocks (9-7) and assists (16-12), but it wasn’t enough to avoid the loss.

Section B action will continue Monday, March 30, when Leonas de Ponce (1-1) host Atenienses de Manatí (1-2) at Salvador Dijols court at 8:00 p.m.

A win by Ponce would eliminate Manatí, leaving the decisive matchup between Caguas and Leonas still pending.