CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 17, 2025.- While at the Roger Mendoza Court in Caguas, the Criollas de Caguas paid a posthumous tribute to one of their players, Pilar M. Victoriá López, dedicating the season to her and winning in four sets, the Atenienses de Manatí, last season’s runners-up, defeated the Changas de Naranjito in the same number of sets at the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum.
In the Turabo Valley, the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation and the Criollas’ management honored Pilar Marie, who passed away in August 2024 of natural causes in Türkiye. Before the match began, Dr. César Trabanco, president of the FPV, and attorney José Servera presented Pilar’s parents, Luis Ernesto and Pilar Eledys, with a plaque bearing an emotional message.
Criollas’ Victory
The Criollas secured a 3-1 victory (25-20, 23-25, 25-17, 25-19), claiming all three available points and successfully defending their home court.
In the first set, Caguas used strong serving to disrupt the Valencianas’ reception, securing the set after reaching a 20-16 lead. The set point at 24-16 came from a serving error by Juncos’ Gabby Gonzales, closing the set at 25-20.
In the second set, the Valencianas withstood a late surge from the home team. After leading 17-12, they saw their advantage slip away as the score evened at 20. Nevertheless, Juncos managed to push through to 23 points. The Criollas regrouped in the following two sets to clinch the victory.
After the match, team captain Raymariely Santos shared her thoughts: “Happy with the win. There’s a lot to improve on but starting with a victory gives us the confidence to keep improving and working as a team.”
Caguas had four players scoring in double digits: Kristin Lux with 15 points, followed by Stephanie Enright with 14, Diana Reyes with 11, and Ivania Ortiz with 10. Raymariely Santos contributed 31 assists.
For Juncos, who earned no points, the standouts were Adriana Rodríguez and Gabby Gonzales with 12 points each, along with Jaelyn Hodge’s 11 points. Naomi Cabello tallied 30 assists.
Atenienses Defend Their Olympus
In another match, the Atenienses de Manatí triumphed on their home court, the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum, defeating the Changas de Naranjito in four sets (25-17, 24-16, 25-13, 25-17).
Karla Santos and Tristin Savage led Manatí’s offense with 18 points each, while Génesis Collazo exceled for Naranjito with 13 points.
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