Santurce rallies on home court, stays undefeated in LVSF

Genesis Collazo of Caguas on the attack against Tamara Otene (6) and Neira Ortiz (14) of Santurce (Sheyla Escobar Agosto – Colaboración especial para FPV)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Cangrejeras of Santurce remained undefeated, the Leonas of Ponce dominated the Pinkin of Corozal in straight sets, and the Atenienses of Manatí split points in a dramatic five-setter against the Valencianas of Juncos to close out Week 5 of play in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF by its initials in Spanish) on Sunday.

At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey, the Criollas of Caguas couldn’t hold onto a 2-0 lead in sets or a 23-20 advantage in the third set, ultimately falling in five sets to the Cangrejeras.

Diana Reyes attacked effectively through the middle to give the Criollas a 23-20 lead in the pivotal third set, but that was the extent of the Caguas offense.

Santurce responded with a 5-0 run that included an attack from zone two by Tamara Otene, two spikes from zone four by Helena Grozer, an attack from outside the lines by Génesis Collazo from the back row, and a block on Valeria Flores to close out the set.

After winning the fourth set by nine points, Santurce opened the fifth by taking the first four points, all on blocks, to take command. The Cangrejeras reached set point at 14-9 with an attack from zone four by Otene, and sealed the four-point margin of victory after an attack by Jenaisya Moore went outside the lines.

The set scores were 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-14 and 15-11.

The Cangrejeras improved to 9-0 record and added two points for an accumulated 24 points, while the Criollas added one point to hold onto second place with a 7-5 record and 22 points.

A balanced Santurce offense was led by Grozer’s 23 points, followed by Otene (21 points), Andrea Rangel (17), Neira Ortiz (14), and Shirley Florian (10).

Collazo led Caguas with 25 points, followed by Moore (22) and Flores (11).

In team statistics, Santurce prevailed 75-59 in attacks, 16-10 in blocks, 117-112 in defense, 65-56 in passing and 39-22 in assists. Caguas had a 5-4 advantage in service aces.

Other results from the night

In Manatí, the Atenienses (4-7, 14 points) defended their home court and defeated the Valencianas (3-9, 10 points) 3-2 at Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum.

Set scores: 17-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-23 and 15-8

In Ponce, the Leonas (4-7, 11 points) dominated the Pinkin (6-5, 18 points) 3-0 at Salvador Dijols Court.

Set scores: 25-20, 25-18 and 25-22

Week 6 begins Wednesday with three matches: Cangrejeras at Atenienses, 8:30 p.m.; Leonas at Valencianas, 8:30 p.m.; and Criollas at Pinkin, 8 p.m.