GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, November 24, 2024. – The Mets of Guaynabo stepped up in the second match of the Puerto Rican Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) Finals, delivering a hard-fought 3-2 victory (25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 28-26, 18-16) against the defending champions, Caribes de San Sebastián, at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum. They tied the series at one game apiece.
Guaynabo also ended the Caribes’ impressive 18-game winning streak, which had been unbroken since September 7.
Coming off a four-set loss in the opening game, the Mets held their ground this evening, resisting a late push by the Caribes in the fourth set and triumphing in extra points during the fifth, silencing a packed crowd of Caribes fans that filled the Quijote Coliseum.
In the fourth set, San Sebastián launched an 11-2 run to take a 20-18 lead and reached set point at 24-23 with Penrose striking effectively from zone two. However, they failed to close, allowing the Mets, led offensively by Inovel Romero, to secure the set in extra points, 28-26.
In the fifth set, the Caribes were once again on the brink of victory, reaching match point at 14-13 with Penrose attacking from zone two. Yet again, Romero stepped up for the Mets, leading them to an 18-16 victory.
Carlos Rodríguez, assistant coach for the Mets, reflected: “I think sometimes we get too relaxed during the match and assume we have the advantage, but in volleyball, there’s no room for that. You have to play point by point, especially against a team like the Caribes de San Sebastián, who have a knack for comebacks. I believe from point 20 to 25, we played with more confidence and energy in the fourth set, and that made the difference. It carried over into the fifth set, where we held strong in extra points, and our side-out (K1) dominated in the crucial phases”.
On plans for the next game, Rodríguez added: “We need to keep controlling Pelegrín and Penrose, their two key players. It’s crucial to continue working on how we handle their serves”.
Jackson Rivera, outside hitter for the Caribes, acknowledged the challenge: “We knew it was going to be a tough game since they couldn’t afford to go down 0-2 in a final series. It’s very hard to face that record going back to San Sebastián. We expected them to make every possible adjustment. Unfortunately, we couldn’t close the match despite having control and momentum. It just wasn’t our night”.
To defend their home court in the next match, Rivera emphasized the importance of playing their style of volleyball, serving well, and maintaining solid reception, which faltered at times during the match. “We’re heading home to defend our court. The team will make the necessary adjustments to secure that win”, Rivera concluded.
Inovel Romero led the Mets with 25 points, supported by Hisham Yousri with 24. On the Caribes’ side, Jalen Penrose shone with 29 points.
The series now moves to the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum in San Sebastián on Wednesday, November 27, at 8:00 PM.
Guaynabo outperformed San Sebastián 8-5 in aces, while San Sebastián excelled in attacks (65-59), passes (59-52), and assists (30-24). Both teams tied in blocks (16) and digs (44).
FINAL SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Friday, November 22, 2024: Guaynabo at San Sebastián (8 PM) (1-3: 18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19)
Game 2: Sunday, November 24, 2024: San Sebastián at Guaynabo (5 PM) (2-3: 25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 28-26, 18-16)
Game 3: Wednesday, November 27, 2024: Guaynabo at San Sebastián (8 PM)
Game 4: Friday, November 29, 2024: San Sebastián at Guaynabo (8 PM)
Game 5: Monday, December 2, 2024: Guaynabo at San Sebastián (8 PM)*
Game 6: Wednesday, December 4, 2024: San Sebastián at Guaynabo (8 PM)*
Game 7: Saturday, December 7, 2024: Guaynabo vs. San Sebastián (8 PM)*+
If necessary. +To be held at Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce (neutral venue).
English 
Spanish