Dramatic five set victory for Cangrejeras against Atenienses

MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, April 18, 2024.- A block by Shirley Florián against Jonnalys Matos ended a dramatic fifth set, in which the runner-up Cangrejeras de Santurce claimed victory and took a (2-0) lead in the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) final series against the Atenienses de Manatí.

Santurce secured the win 25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-23, and 16-14, at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Manatí.

The Cangrejeras team was trailing in the fourth set, 16-10, at the second technical timeout for Manatí. The home team threatened to take the victory by extending their lead to 22-20, but errors became their own enemy, giving the Cangrejeras a break, who seized every opportunity to dominate, 25-23, and force a fifth set.

In the fifth set, Manatí led 8-7 at the side switch. Santurce quickly turned the score, leading 9-8, and the Atenienses called a timeout. Upon returning, they scored four consecutive points to pull ahead, 12-10; and later, 14-11.

Then came the spectacular comeback. A block by  middle blocker Neira Ortiz against Zoe Weatherington of Cangrejeras initiated Santurce's five-point run, three of which were on errors with shots going out of bounds. And Florián sealed the deal with a block on Matos, to close 16-14, and secure a 2-0 series lead.

For Santurce, McKenzie Adams scored 17 points, 16 in attacks, one block, 15 digs, and 24 passes; Andrea Rangel contributed 16 points, 14 in attacks, two blocks, and 14 digs; Helena Havelkova with 15 points, 12 in attacks, three blocks, six digs, and 15 passes; setter Carli Lloyd with 10 points, six in attacks, four blocks, 16 digs, and 29 assists; and Neira Ortiz with eight points, five in attacks, and three blocks.

For Manatí, Zoe Weatherington was the top scorer of the match with 28 points, 25 in attacks, three blocks, and 16 digs; Karla Santos with 16 points, 15 in attacks, one block, 12 digs, and 20 passes; María Schlegel with 15 points, 14 in attacks, one block, 19 digs, and 12 passes. Claudia Dillon and Jonnalys Matos with six points each.

The final series will continue this Saturday, April 20, at 8:30 p.m. at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in Hato Rey.

The final series is entirely broadcast by WIPR Canal 6, https://wipr.pr/envivo/, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wiprtv.

SCHEDULE FINAL SERIES:
 

Sunday, April 14 Manatí            (1-3) Santurce

Wednesday, April 17                 Santurce (3-2) Manatí

Saturday, April 20 8:30pm        Manatí at Santurce

Monday, April 22 8:30pm          Santurce at Manatí

Wednesday, April 24 8:30pm     Manatí at Santurce

Friday, April 26 8:30pm Santurce at Manatí (If Necessary)

Sunday, April 28 7:00pm           Manatí at Santurce (If Necessary) (neutral venue)

For more information visit  Fedpurvoli.com