COPUVO postseason begins today

Xiomara Ortiz was named match MVP as the Lady Sharks of Aguadilla beat the Criollas of Caguas in straight sets and qualified for the COPUVO postseason tournament.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rican Volleyball Confederation (COPUVO by its acronym in Spanish) announced on Wednesday that the postseason tournament will begin today with the quarterfinals.

Eight teams advanced to the playoffs, while the Criollas of Caguas and Llaneras of Toa Baja were eliminated from postseason contention.

The unbeaten Cangrejeras of Santurce (40 points, 12-0) topped the overall standings, followed by the Amazonas of Trujillo Alto (33 points, 9-3) and the Bravas of Cidra (30 points, 8-4).

From fourth to sixth place were the Big Sisters of Carolina (24 points, 8-4), the Vaqueras of Bayamón (24 points, 7-5), and the Volley Girls of Guayanilla (21 points, 6-6).

The last two franchises to secure their spots were the Lady Sharks of Aguadilla and Las de la Mancha of Corozal.

Aguadilla clinched their qualification on Tuesday by defeating the Criollas in straight sets, 25-20, 25-9 and 25-15, in a match in which Xiomara Ortiz was named Most Valuable Player. With the victory, the Lady Sharks finished with 14 points and a 4-8 record.

Meanwhile, Corozal defeated Guayanilla in four sets (25-21, 21-25, 25-20 and 27-25) at Raúl “Americano” Hernández Sports School. Middle blocker Jenselyn Morales was a key figure in the victory for Las de la Mancha, while Gabriela García stood out for the Volley Girls. With 12 points and a 4-8 record, Corozal secured the eighth and final qualifying spot.

The quarterfinal series, to be played in best-of-three format, will conclude on Sunday.