|
Mets One Win Away from Securing Their Spot
in the LVSM Finals
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, November 15, 2024.- The Mets de
Guaynabo took control of their semifinal series against Cafeteros de
Yauco with a 3-2 lead, positioning themselves just one victory away from
the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) finals after defeating them
3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13) at the Mario "Quijote" Morales
Coliseum.
Following the win, Mets libero Arnel Cabrera said: “As
I’ve said before, I believe we’re playing this series against ourselves.
Yauco has shown an incredible level of play, but whenever we manage to
focus on our strengths and control our emotions a bit, we execute very
well. It’s been challenging because we’re such a complete team; everyone
wants to give their best, which sometimes works against us. We make
mistakes at critical moments, and Yauco, credit where it’s due, has
executed extremely well and given us an incredible series.”
This semifinal has seen the home team prevail in every
game. Addressing this trend, Cabrera added: “Of course, going to Yauco
requires responsibility and a clear mindset. It’s an emotional venue,
with a passionate crowd, and we know they play very well at home and
defend their court effectively. On our end, I’d say we’ve had some
erratic games at times in Yauco, which has shaken our confidence a bit
when playing away. But we have a day to clear our minds and head there
as focused as possible.”
The Mets outperformed Cafeteros 50-36 in attacks, 11-9 in
blocks, 51-39 in digs, and 9-4 in aces, while Yauco held the edge in
receptions (52-44) and assists (25-20).
The winners’ offense was led by Inovel Romero with 20
points, Gregory Torres with 18, and Gianluca Grasso with 11. For Yauco,
Diego Negrón contributed 16 points, and Mark Frazier added 10 in the
losing effort.
The series returns to the Pipote Oliveras Coliseum in
Yauco for Game 6 on Monday, November 18, at 8:00 PM.
The winner of this series will face the defending
champions, Caribes de San Sebastián, who became the first finalists
after sweeping the runners-up, Changos de Naranjito, in four matches.
The semifinal series are played in a best-of-seven
format. The KIA Cup Grand Final begins two days after the last semifinal
concludes.
SEMIFINAL SERIES A
Game #1
– Wednesday, November 6 – 8:00 PM, Yauco ag Guaynabo / 2-3 (21-25,
20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-11)
Game #2
– Friday, November 8 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (28-30, 14-25,
25-17, 25-22, 15-13)
Game #3
– Sunday, November 10 – 5:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo /
0-3 (25-22, 25-15, 25-23)
Game #4
– Wednesday, November 13 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco /
2-3 (18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 15-8)
Game #5
– Friday, November 15 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo /
1-3 (25-20, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13)
Game #6 (if necessary)
– Monday, November 18 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco
Game #7 (if necessary)
– Thursday, November 21 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo |
