Corozal ties LVSM Semifinal B with hard-fought win over Yauco

Spencer Olivier (18 points) goes on the attack for the Plataneros of Yauco against a triple block by the Cafeteros of Yauco.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM by its initials in Spanish) Semifinal B series was tied at two wins apiece on Sunday night after the Plataneros of Corozal successfully defended their home court at Carmen Z. Figueroa Arena, defeating the Cafeteros of Yauco in four sets.

The scores were: 25-20, 21-25, 28-26 and 31-29.

With the match tied at one set each, the teams were deadlocked at 20 points in the third set after an attack error by Yauco’s Brandon Rattray in zone two. From there, they remained tied until 26, when the Plataneros closed out the set with two consecutive points: a block by Guillermo Moya on Juan Felipe Castañeda and another failed attack by Rattray in zone two.

The fourth set was a “copy and paste” of the previous one.

Yauco couldn’t hold onto a 24-22 set point advantage, the result of two consecutive attacks by Corozal’s Michael de la Cruz through the middle.

The Plataneros came from behind and leveled the set to force extra points after de la Cruz sent his serve out of bounds and Ramón Matos capitalized on a poor pass by the Cafeteros.

The exchange continued until point 29, when Corozal took the set and the match. After Yauco’s Diego Negrón failed to get his serve over the net, Joseph Oquendo blocked Rattray, who was attacking from zone two, on the next play to end the contest.

In the team statistics, Corozal bested Yauco 52-51 in attacks, 13-10 in blocks, and 41-37 in digs. Both teams finished with five aces, while the Cafeteros excelled in passes (52-43) and assists (29-9). The Plataneros were led on offense by Jalen Penrose with 26 points, followed by Spencer Olivier with 18 and Oquendo with 13.

For Yauco, Rattray contributed 22 points and veteran center Jessie Colón added 14.

The series continues with Match 5 on Wednesday at Raúl “Pipote” Oliveras Coliseum in Yauco. The two-time defending champion Caribes of San Sebastián await the winner to begin the finals.