Cangrejeras, Leonas to face off for LVSF crown.

Nataly García, left, had 14 points to help Ponce oust defending LVSF champion Caguas and advance to the league finals against Santurce. (Heriberto Rosario Rosa - FPV)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF by its initials in Spanish) will have a new champion this season.

The Leonas of Ponce defeated the Criollas of Caguas in straight sets on Wednesday night in the deciding seventh match of the LVSF Semifinal Series B. With the resounding victory over the defending champion at Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas, Ponce moves on to face the Cangrejeras of Santurce in the finals, with the opening match set for Friday night at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey.

Ponce came from behind in the semifinals and, with two consecutive victories -- both in straight sets -- completed the comeback to advance to the title showdown. The Leonas will now face the undefeated Cangrejeras in a best-of-seven series that will determine a new standard-bearer of Puerto Rican women’s volleyball.

Santurce announced Thursday that it has signed standout American outside hitter Madison Kingdon Rishel to replace Tamara Otene in the team’s reserve corps.

Ponce eliminated Caguas with scores of 25-22, 25-11and 25-15. The Leonas were led by Claire Chaussee with 18 points, followed by Sherridan Atkinson and Nataly García, both with 14 points, and Abby Akey with 10.

Themi Thomas-Ailara and Jenaisya Moore finished with nine and eight points, respectively, for the Criollas.

In team statistics, Ponce prevailed 56-29 in attacks, 13-6 in assists, 63-53 in digs, 5-4 in blocks and 27-26 in passes. Caguas held the edge in service aces, 2-1.