Yauco, Puerto Rico, January 7, 2026.- The Cafeteros de Yauco came from behind and, in a thrilling fifth set, defeated the Plataneros de Corozal to take a 3-2 lead in Semifinal B of the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM). With the victory, Yauco is now just one step away from advancing to the championship series.
The scores were: 18-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, and 15-13.
With the match tied at two sets apiece, the deciding set opened with an explosive start by the Cafeteros, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to three consecutive points from Colombian Juan Felipe Castañeda.
However, the Plataneros answered with solid defense and an effective counterattack to tie the set at 9, fueled by attacks from Spencer Olivier out of zone four.
Just when it seemed Corozal was on its way to victory after a 3-0 run that included a missed quick attack by Jessie Colón to make it 12-9, Yauco responded once again. The hosts tied it at 13 after Olivier sent a negative hit from zone two.
The stage was then set for Brandon Rattray and Daniel Rivera to seal the Cafeteros’ win with clutch spikes that ignited the celebration at the Pipote Oliveras Coliseum.
The series continues this Friday, January 9, at the Carmen Zoraida Figueroa court, home of the Plataneros de Corozal, starting at 8:00 p.m. If Corozal wins, the series will return on Sunday to the Pipote Oliveras Coliseum for a decisive seventh match.
In team statistics, Yauco led 5-4 in service aces and 28-14 in assists. Corozal, meanwhile, outpaced the Cafeteros 67-56 in attacks, 14-12 in blocks, 70-53 in digs, and 55-47 in receptions.
Yauco’s offense was led by Juan Felipe Castañeda with 24 points, while Jessie Colón and Brandon Rattray each added 11. For Corozal, Jalen Penrose shined with 30 points, followed by Spencer Olivier with 20 and Joseph Oquendo with 13.
The Caribes de San Sebastián remain on standby, awaiting the winner of this exciting semifinal.
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