Cangrejeras return to the final series, while Atenienses are one victory away from advancing

Puerto Rico, April 10, 2024. - The Santurce Cangrejeras (4-0) completed an undefeated run in the semifinal series A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), while the Atenienses are one victory away from securing the coveted spot.

This past weekend, Cangrejeras defeated Juncos Valencianas (0-4) in three sets to advance to the 2024 grand final.

For the second consecutive year, Santurce will compete in the championship series after securing a crucial victory of 25-20, 25-22, and 25-18 at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos.

In 2022, Cangrejeras, in their first year under this franchise name, lost the final to the two-time champions Pinkin of Corozal. Now, they will await the winner of semifinal B between Pinkin and the Atenienses of Manatí.

The capital team was led by McKenzie Adams, the top scorer of the match with 17 points, including 16 in attacks, a block, eight digs, and 11 passes. Andrea Rangel contributed 15 points, Helena Havelkova scored nine points, and Neira Ortiz added eight points. Olympic setter Carli Lloyd provided 23 assists, 10 digs, four points, three in attacks, and a block.

For Juncos, who didn’t have a player in double digits, Sh’Diamond Holly scored nine points, eight in attacks, and a block; Kara McGhee and Elissa Alcántara each contributed seven points.

The Atenienses of Manatí (3-1) are one victory away from reaching the desired spot in the grand final of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), defeating the two-time champions Pinkin of Corozal (1-3) in five thrilling sets.

Manatí secured the fourth game of the semifinal B with a 22-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, and 15-12 victory at the Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu Coliseum, home of the Atenienses.

The Manatí team needs one more victory to become finalists and face the Santurce Cangrejeras for the championship of the 2024 LVSF tournament. In fact, the members of the capital team, along with their coach Jamille Torres, attended the match between  Pinkin and the Atenienses.

Karla Santos, captain of Manatí, was the top scorer for Atenienses with 23 points, followed by María Priscilla Schlegel with 18 points, Zoe Weatherington with 17 points, and Claudia Dillon with 12 points. Setter Nicole Drewnick provided 24 assists, 18 passes, and five points, three in attacks, and two in blocks. Libero Yaleimid Correa finished the night with 16 digs and 16 passes.

For Corozal, Daly Santana scored 18 points, all in attacks, Yanlis Feliz contributed 17 points, Payton Caffrey scored 17 points, and Génesis Castillo added 11 points. The new reinforcement for the Pinkin, setter Gabby Blossom, provided 33 assists, 12 digs, and an ace.

Manatí recorded nine blocks for points compared to Corozal's 14. In digs, both teams reached 100; Corozal with exactly 100 and Manatí with 113; and in passes, the Pinkin had 64 passes compared to 55 for the Atenienses.

The semifinal B between the Pinkin and the Atenienses will continue on Thursday, April 11, with the fourth game of the series at 8:00 p.m. at the Carmen Zoraida Figueroa Court in Corozal.

Semifinal A

Saturday, March 30    Juncos (0-3) Santurce

Monday, April 1          Santurce (3-0)Juncos

Wednesday, April 3    Juncos (1-3) Santurce

Friday, April 5             Santurce (3-0) Juncos

Semifinal B

Wednesday, April 3    8:15 p.m.   Manatí (2-3) Corozal

Saturday, April 6        8:15 p.m.   Corozal (1-3) Manatí

Sunday, April 7          7:00 p.m.   Manatí (3-1) Corozal 

Tuesday, April 9         8:15 p.m.   Corozal (2-3) Manatí

Thursday, April 11      8:15 p.m.   Manatí en Corozal

Friday, April 12           8:15 p.m.   Corozal en Manatí (DSN)

Sunday, April 14         7:00 p.m.   Manatí en Corozal (DSN)