Carmen Z. Figueroa Coliseum Erupts with the Return of the Plataneros and Their Dramatic Five-Set Victory over the Changos

COROZAL, Puerto Rico, December 13, 2025. – The Plataneros de Corozal returned home to Carmen Z. Figueroa Coliseum in victorious fashion, defeating the Changos de Naranjito in a dramatic five-set match, 21-25, 23-25, 25-23, 27-25, and 15-10. With the win, they kept alive their aspirations of claiming the lone remaining spot in the semifinals of the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM).

The Plataneros had played their first home matches at the Juan C. Berríos court in Barranquitas, where they remained unbeaten with seven consecutive victories.

In front of an electrified crowd of nearly 2,000 fans, Corozal rallied from behind to overcome an inspired Changos squad, earning 2 of the 3 points at stake.

Corozal, still in third place, improved its record to 13-6 with 37 points, while Naranjito earned one point and remain in sixth qualifying position with a 6-13 record and 21 points.

In the fourth set, the Changos squandered a 19-17 lead after an overpassed ball was capitalized on by Delwin Tapia. A 6-4 run, capped by a Spencer Olivier attack from zone two, tied the set at 23. Corozal eventually claimed the set in extra points, forcing the tie-break.

The score was tied at 24 and 25, but the Plataneros closed with consecutive attacks: one by Jalen Penrose from zone two and another by Julio Mercedes through the middle.

In the fifth set, Corozal broke an 8-all tie with three straight points to pull away and never look back. They reached match point at 14-10 with a shared block by Mercedes and Olivier on Ángel Rivera and sealed the victory with an effective tip by Olivier from zone four.

Leading Corozal’s offense were Spencer Olivier with 28 points, Jalen Penrose with 26, and Julio Mercedes with 12. Luzgardo Liciaga contributed 30 assists.

For Naranjito, Cole Gillis led with 20 points, followed by Ángel Rivera with 16 and Jackson Rivera with 12.

Other results:

The Caribes de San Sebastián (17-2, 46 points) defended their home court and defeated the Gigantes de Carolina (7-12, 23 points) 3-2 (25-15, 35-37, 25-21, 23-25, 21-19) in an intense battle.

In Yauco, the Cafeteros (15-4, 40 points) dominated from start to finish and defeated the Mets de Guaynabo (2-17, 9 points) 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-14).