Valencianas end Santurce’s unbeaten run and advance

to semifinals in dramatic five-set battle

JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, March 31, 2026. – The Valencianas de Juncos secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League after prevailing in an intense five-set battle against the Cangrejeras de Santurce (25-22, 15-25, 25-23, 21-25, 19-17) on Tuesday night at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum.

The victory not only sealed Juncos’ qualification but also ended Santurce’s impressive unbeaten streak of 23 consecutive victories dating back to the start of the regular season.

The Cangrejeras managed to extend the match to the decisive set after closing the fourth frame with authority. With the score tied at 17, Santurce shifted the momentum with two consecutive blocks: first on Haley Bush attacking from the back row, and then on Leandra Mangual from zone four to take a 19-17 lead.

From that point on, Santurce controlled the set. An ace by Legna Hernández extended the lead and gave them set point at 24-20, before Andrea Rangel sealed the 25-21 win with a powerful attack from zone two.

In the deciding set, the Valencianas withstood the pressure and eventually prevailed in a thrilling finish. Santurce had the first match point at 14-13 after a Leandra Mangual attack from zone four sailed long down line one.

From there, both teams traded points and tied up to 17-17. Juncos then secured the victory with two consecutive points: first a Haley Bush attack from zone four and then an ace by Alannis Oramas that sealed the dramatic win.

In team statistics, Juncos outperformed Santurce in attacks (64-58), aces (10-8), digs (92-86), receptions (50-41) and assists (22-17). The Cangrejeras led in blocks 12-8.

The Valencianas’ offense was led by Haley Bush with 27 points, followed by Leandra Mangual with 16 and Naya Gross with 15. Rookie Alannis Oramas, who replaced American import Kaleigh Nelson and remained on the court, contributed 9 points and played a key role in passing and during pressure moments.

For Santurce, which finished atop Section A with a 3-1 record, Helena Grozer led the scoring with 19 points, followed by Andrea Rangel (18), Kara McGhee (12) and Tamara Otene (11).

The quarterfinals continue this Wednesday, April 1, when the Criollas de Caguas, in Section B, visit the Leonas de Ponce at the Salvador Dijols court starting at 8:00 p.m.

In Section A, one match remains between Juncos and Corozal this Thursday, April 2, at the Carmen Z. Figueroa court. Both games — Wednesday’s and Thursday’s — will be formalities, as the four semifinalists have already been determined: Cangrejeras de Santurce, Criollas de Caguas, Leonas de Ponce and Valencianas de Juncos.

With the four semifinalists confirmed, the matchups are set with the Valencianas de Juncos facing the Cangrejeras de Santurce, while the Criollas de Caguas will meet the Leonas de Ponce. After the conclusion of the quarterfinal round, the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation will officially announce the schedule and starting dates for both semifinal series.