The Drought Is Over: Yauco Ends 55-Year Wait

and Claims the LVSM Crown

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Puerto Rico, January 23, 2026.- After 55 years of longing, the Cafeteros de Yauco captured the Men’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSM) championship on Friday night, defeating the two-time defending champions Caribes de San Sebastián in a dramatic five-set match at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum.

The five-set victory marks the franchise’s first title since 1971 and ignited a historic celebration for volleyball in Yauco.

The match scores were 25–18, 21–25, 25–18, 20–25, and 15–11, in a final’s series defined by its intensity: four of the five matches went the distance, all won by Yauco.

San Sebastián earned its lone victory in the third match, decided in four sets.

The emotion of the moment was reflected in the words of championship team owner Jorge Báez, who celebrated alongside his team and a fan base that had dreamed of this moment for decades.

“One word to describe this championship: grateful. Grateful like the people. Grateful to the fans of Yauco. This championship is for them, for the players, for the therapists, for the coaches. This is for the people. Enjoy it… and we’re going for more,” he said with evident emotion.

On the key to Yauco’s dominance in the series, Báez highlighted the preparation gained during the semifinals.

“The series against the Plataneros de Corozal prepared us for what was coming. We went to the limit. The players arrived a bit tired, but focused. That prepared us to face the Caribes,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Báez indicated that the core of the team will remain largely intact.

“The team basically stays the same. Everything will depend on the prior commitments of the reinforcements, but the intention is to keep most of the roster,” he noted.

Finals Most Valuable Player honors went to setter Kevin Rodríguez, who was also named Setter of the Year and selected to the Regular Season All-Star Team.

The night will be remembered as one of the most significant in Puerto Rican volleyball history. Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation president César Trabanco congratulated the franchise on its historic achievement.

“We extend our congratulations to the Cafeteros de Yauco for this well-deserved championship. Their dedication, discipline, and commitment to their community were reflected in every point. Today Yauco celebrates, and all of Puerto Rican volleyball celebrates,” he said.

In the championship offense, Juan Felipe Castañeda led with 24 points, followed by Brandon Rattray with 20 and Diego Negrón with 15.

For the Caribes, Pelegrín Vargas Jr. scored 22 points, while Ezequiel Cruz, Pedro Nieves, and Mark Frazer added 14 each.

In team statistics, Yauco led in attacks (64–59), blocks (9–8), digs (57–41), and assists (22–13). San Sebastián held the edge in service aces (10–3) and receptions (62–41).