Cangrejeras defeat Valencianas again, lead A semifinal 2-0.

The Cangrejeras dropped the third set but rallied in the fourth to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 semifinal series. (Heriberto Rosario Rosa / FPV)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Cangrejeras of Santurce defeated the Valencianas of Juncos in four sets at Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos on Wednesday night in the second match of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League Section A semifinals.

The set scores were 25-21, 25-13, 20-25 and 25-22 as the Cangrejeras took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

In the fourth set -- with Santurce leading the match two sets to one -- the Valencianas took the lead at the second technical timeout, 16-14, capitalizing on a service error by Helena Grozer. They subsequently extended their lead to 18-15 following a net violation by the Cangrejeras.

The lead did not hold up for long, however. Santurce responded with a 4-0 run -- including a powerful spike by Tamara Otene from Zone 4 -- to take go ahead 19-18.

The score was tied once more at 19, but Otene went on the attack again with two consecutive points: one on a spike from Zone 4 and another on a direct ace, putting the Cangrejeras ahead 21-19 -- a lead they would not relinquish.

Santurce reached set and match point at 24-22 thanks to a block by Kara McGhee against Haley Bush, who was attacking from the back row. The victory was sealed on the very next play following an offensive error by Kelly Sánchez of Juncos.

The Cangrejeras (2-0) displayed a balanced offensive attack, with five players reaching double-digit scoring, led by Otene with 18 points (16 on spikes and 2 aces). She was followed by Andrea Rangel with 14 points, Neira Ortiz and McGhee with 13 each, and Grozer with 11.

Bush carried the Juncos (0-2) offense with 24 points, while Naya Gross contributed 11.

In team statistics, Santurce prevailed 59-46 in attacks, 10-7 in blocks, and 23-18 in assists. Juncos held the edge in digs (84-81) and in passes (43-38). Both teams finished with three service aces.

The series continues Friday at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey with the third match starting at 8:12 p.m.

The B semifinal series, between the Criollas of Caguas and the Leonas of Ponce, will begin on Friday at Roger Mendoza Vidal Coliseum in Caguas starting at 8:20 p.m.