Patriotas win the first Quarterfinal match in the LVSM against Carolina

Patriotas win the first Quarterfinal match in the

LVSM against Carolina

LARES, Puerto Rico, December 20, 2025. – The Patriotas de Lares successfully defended the Félix Méndez Acevedo Coliseum by defeating the Gigantes de Carolina 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-18) in the opening match of Series B of the Quarterfinals of the Liga de Voleibol Superior Masculina (LVSM).

With the win, the Patriotas move one victory away from advancing to the semifinals in this short best-of-three (2-of-3) series.

In the first set, the Patriotas took control at 22-19 with a service ace by Jova Torres. They reached set point at 24-21 following a service error by Luis Vega and closed the set 25-22 with a quick middle attack by Nick West.

In the second set, Lares once again built a solid lead thanks to two service aces by Luis Carlos Ruiz, pulling away 21-16. Carolina responded with a 6-2 run, including a block on Jair Santiago, to close within one point. However, Lares reached set point at 24-22 with an attack by Garrett Muagututia from zone four and closed the set to take a two-sets-to-none lead, once again with Muagututia attacking from the same zone.

In the third set, the Patriotas jumped out to a dominant 7-1 start and reached the technical timeout up 12-5, never looking back the rest of the way. Lares reached set point at 24-17 with an effective attack by Jair Santiago and sealed the victory 25-18 following a service error by Carolina.

The Patriotas’ balanced offense was led by Jair Santiago with 15 points and Garrett Muagututia with 11. For Carolina, John Chamone was the top scorer with 15 points.

Lares dominated in attacks (40-31), blocks (10-7), service aces (5-2), digs (34-27), and assists (19-7). Both teams finished with 31 receptions.

The series continues Monday, December 22, with the second match at the Guillermo Angulo Coliseum in Carolina, starting at 8:00 p.m.

This Sunday at 6:00 p.m., at the legendary Gelito Ortega court, the Changos (0-1) will host the Plataneros de Corozal (1-0) for the second match of Series A of the Quarterfinals.