NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, November 14, 2026. – Defending champions Cafeteros de Yauco staged a comeback to defeat Changos de Naranjito in five sets, while Patriotas de Lares defended their home court with a straight-set victory over Gigantes de Adjuntas during Saturday’s action in the Men’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSM).
At the legendary Gelito Ortega court, Cafeteros de Yauco rallied from a two-sets-to-one deficit to secure a 3-2 (25-16, 22-25, 24-26, 25-20, 15-9) victory, earning two points in the standings.
The third set featured a dramatic finish. With the match tied at one set apiece, Naranjito built a 22-19 lead following a net violation by Yauco’s blockers after an attack by Colton Cowell.
However, Cafeteros responded with three consecutive points, including a service ace by Jalen Penrose and a block on Christian Encarnación, to tie the score at 22-22.
Changos regained the lead at 24-22 following a net violation and a block on Penrose. Yauco managed to extend the set, but Naranjito eventually prevailed 26-24 with an attack by Encarnación from zone four and a block on Penrose, taking a two-sets-to-one advantage.
In the fourth set, Yauco made the necessary adjustments and took control of the match. Cafeteros pulled ahead 22-18 with an attack by Penrose from zone two, reached set point at 24-20 following a spike by Daniel Rivera, and closed out the set 25-20 with a service ace by Penrose, forcing a fifth and decisive set.
In the tiebreaker, Yauco opened with a 4-1 lead, although the home team fought back to tie the score at 5-5. After another tie at six points, Cafeteros scored six consecutive points, highlighted by two attacks from Penrose out of zone two, a net violation by Naranjito, and a block on Cowell, in a decisive sequence that ultimately determined the outcome.
Yauco reached match point at 14-8 following a back-row attack violation by Jamal Ellis and sealed the victory 15-9 on a service error by Changos.
With the result, Cafeteros improved their record to 4-4 with nine points, while Naranjito earned one point in the loss, moving to 2-6 with eight points in the standings.
Jalen Penrose led Yauco’s offense with 34 points, followed by Diego Negrón with 17. For Naranjito, Christian Encarnación finished with 20 points, Colton Cowell contributed 14, and Jamal Ellis added nine.
In the team statistics, Cafeteros held the advantage in attacks (63-44), service aces (7-3), digs (54-43), and assists (29-19). Changos led in blocks (14-7) and receptions (51-41).
Lares Maintains the Top Spot
In the other match of the day, Patriotas de Lares defeated Gigantes de Adjuntas in straight sets 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-22).
With the victory, Patriotas collected all three available points and strengthened their position at the top of the standings with a 7-1 record and 20 points.
For Adjuntas, it was their eighth consecutive loss of the season. Gigantes remain winless with just two points in the standings.
Jair Santiago led Lares offensively with 16 points, followed by Kevin López with 12. For Adjuntas, William Rivera was the leading scorer with 10 points.
The fourth week of LVSM action will conclude Sunday with a single match, as Gigantes de Carolina (6-1, 16 points), riding a five-match winning streak, visit Plataneros de Corozal (4-3, 14 points) at Carmen Z. Figueroa court.
The matchup between two of the season’s leading contenders is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.