Criollas open with a convincing victory over Juncos

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 16, 2026.– In the only match on the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) schedule, held at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, the hosts and defending champions, the Criollas de Caguas, had little trouble defeating the Valencianas de Juncos 3–0 (25–16, 25–18, 25–16).

With the win, Caguas collected the full three points available from the match and celebrated its season opener in grand fashion. The Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation dedicated the evening to former volleyball player Ivonne Pérez.

Pérez, recognized for her versatility as a universal player and for her leadership on and off the court, paved the way and helped transform the landscape of women’s volleyball on the Island. Her career includes a historic milestone: in 1986 she became the first Puerto Rican volleyball player to reinforce a European club, joining Tormo Barberá de Xátiva in Spain, setting a precedent that inspired later generations of Puerto Rican athletes to compete in international leagues.

The Criollas applied constant pressure with their serve, creating difficult situations for Juncos in reception and controlling the match from the opening whistle.

Up two sets, Caguas pulled away 8–4 in the third set and never looked back. They extended the lead to 18–12 following a service error by Kelly Sánchez, and put the set on “safe mode” at 21–15 with a block on Emily Elliott.

The Criollas reached set point at 24–16 with a deflected middle attack by Alexa Barral and closed the match on the next play when Diana Trujillo attacked effectively from zone two, dropping the ball into zone one of the Valencianas’ court.

Caguas outperformed Juncos 43–34 in attacks, 9–3 in blocks, 4–1 in service aces, and 85–68 in digs. The Valencianas led 33–17 in receptions and 14–13 in assists.

Caguas’ offense was led by Jenaisya Moore with 18 points (14 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 service aces), followed by Alexandra Sczech with 15 points.

For Juncos, Leandra Mangual was the top scorer with 10 points. The Valencianas fall to a 0–1 record with no points.

LVSF action continues next Sunday with two matches on the schedule: the Criollas de Caguas host the Atenienses de Manatí, while the Pinkin de Corozal visit the Rafael G. Amalbert court to face the Valencianas de Juncos. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.