Criollas, Leonas record wins in LVSF

The Criollas of Caguas remained at the top of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League standings with a 5-1 record and 13 accumulated points. (Heriberto Rosario Rosa / FPV)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Criollas of Caguas and Leonas of Ponce emerged victorious in their respective Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF by its initials in Spanish) matches on Wednesday night, marking the beginning of the third week of play in the young season.

At Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, the Criollas defeated the Valencianas of Juncos in straight sets with scores of 25-20, 25-21 and 26-24.

With the win, Caguas earned the three available points to remain at the top of the standings with a 5-1 record and 13 accumulated points. The Valencianas (no points) continue in search of a win after five matches.

In the first set, Juncos opened with a 4-0 lead and led at the technical timeout 8-3, but the Criollas responded with a 22-12 run to take the set. The second set was a repeat of the first, and Caguas outlasted the hosts in the more competitive third set.

Although the Valencianas showed resistance and narrowed the gap to 19-20 after a block on Diana Reyes in the third set, and then tied the score at 21, 23 and 24, Caguas held off Juncos in extra points on back-to-back attacks by Genesis Collazo and Stephanie Enright.

The Criollas had two players in double digits: Alexandra Sczech and Enright, both with 11 points. For Juncos, Kelly Sánchez had 12 points and Naya Gross added 11.

Caguas prevailed 41-38 in attacks and 78-75 in digs. Both teams recorded 11 blocks. The Valencianas were superior in aces (4-2), passes (44-28) and assists (18-9).

In the other match of the night, the Atenienses of Manatí and the Leonas of Ponce went to five sets, with Ponce taking the victory with scores of 18-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-13 and 17-15.

With the win, Ponce earned two points and improved its record to 2-3 with five accumulated points. Manatí, despite the loss, added one point and remained in third place with a 2-3 record and eight points.

Jordan Wilson led Ponce with 20 points, followed by Abby Akey with 14. Gloria Mutiri, Jenselyn Morales and Mildrelis Rodríguez contributed 11 points each.

LVSF play continues on Friday with two scheduled matches:

• The Valencianas of Juncos visit the Pinkin of Corozal at Carmen Z. Figueroa Arena at 8 p.m.

• The Cangrejeras of Santurce host the Atenienses of Manatí at Roberto Clemente Coliseum at 8:12 p.m.