The Caribes Defend Their Title as LVSM Champions

PONCE, Puerto Rico, December 7, 2024 - The Caribes of San Sebastián achieved the highly coveted “back-to-back” championship on Saturday night, December 7, in a thrilling Game 7 of the Men’s Volleyball Superior Leagues (LVSM) Finals against the Mets of Guaynabo at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.

It was an intense and dramatic series, decided in five dramatic sets, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13).

This marks the third championship for the Caribes franchise, with their first title dating back to the 1999 season.

Following the victory and during the celebration, Dr. Angelo Ferrante, owner of the Caribes de San Sebastián, addressed the fans: “We promised you the ‘back-to-back,’ and here it is. Now we’re going for the three-peat.”

Jalen Penrose led the Caribes with 28 points, followed by Pelegrín Vargas with 20, Pablo Guzmán with 14, and Pedro Nieves with 11.

For the Mets of Guaynabo, Inovel Romero scored 24 points, Gregory Torres 23, and Gianluca Grasso 16.

San Sebastián outperformed Guaynabo in attacks (73 to 64), aces (6 to 2), and passes (64 to 54). However, the Mets excelled in blocks (13 to 8), defenses (58 to 57), and assists (28 to 23).

Outside hitter Pablo Guzmán was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final series. After the win, he said: “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy victory. Guaynabo has an incredible team, a great team. I respect them, and we respect them, but we had to come out determined and focused on the victory, with a lot of patience.”

He added: “Winning a ‘back-to-back’ isn’t easy, especially when teams make big signings like Guaynabo. As I said, composure was key and staying united. Chamo (the team’s coach) did an excellent job rotating the players. Honestly, it was a collective victory that will mean a lot for our careers and for Pepino.”

On being named MVP, Guzmán concluded: “It means so much. This is a team effort, but since 2021, I’ve worked hard. I’ve been through injuries, played while hurt, but thanks to God, I was healthy enough to play this final series and help my teammates win this championship. Thanks to God.”