SAN SEBASTIÁN, Puerto Rico, December 26, 2025 – Caribes de San Sebastián, two-time champions of the Men’s Volleyball Superior League, successfully defended their home court at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum in front of a sold-out crowd, defeating the Patriotas de Lares in four hard-fought sets (23-25, 25-16, 25-23, 26-24) in the opening match of Semifinal A.
With the match tied at one set apiece, Patriotas let slip a 19-16 lead following a block on Mark Frazier. A 4-1 run by the Caribes, including an attack error by Jair Santiago, tied the set at 20. From there, the score was tied until 23, when San Sebastián closed the set with two consecutive points: a zone four attack by Pelegrín Vargas against a triple block and a service ace by Diego Villafañe.
The fourth set was another heart-stopping episode. The teams were tied from 22 through 24, but a service error by Garrett Muagututia and a block on Jair Santiago attacking from zone two sealed the victory for the Caribes.
The series continues this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the Félix Méndez Acevedo Coliseum, home of the Patriotas de Lares.
The Caribes’ offense was led by Mark Frazier with 25 points, followed by Pelegrín Vargas with 21 and Anthony Negrón with 11.
For Patriotas, Jair Santiago contributed 18 points and Jonathan Rodríguez added 11.
The semifinal series are played as best-of-seven, with the first team winning four matches advancing.
Federation Reviews Naranjito Appeal; Plataneros and Cafeteros Await Decision
The third quarterfinal match between Plataneros de Corozal and Changos de Naranjito was the subject of a protest filed by the latter. After reviewing the evidence submitted, the committee appointed by the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation determined to deny the protest.
However, according to Federation president Dr. César Trabanco, the Changos de Naranjito filed an appeal of that decision. The appeal will be reviewed Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday.
As a result, the start of Semifinal B between the Plataneros de Corozal and the Cafeteros de Yauco will remain on hold until a final decision is issued regarding Naranjito’s appeal.
If the initial decision is upheld, the Cafeteros will host the Plataneros de Corozal at the Raúl “Pipote” Oliveras Coliseum in Yauco this Saturday, December 27, starting at 8:00 p.m.
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