Puerto Rico, April 12, 2025. – The Criollas de Caguas are now just one win away from the Final after defeating the Mets de Guaynabo in Semifinal A, while the Cangrejeras de Santurce swept the Atenienses de Manatí on Saturday in Semifinal B of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) of Puerto Rico.
Home teams continue to dominate in Semifinal Series A of the LVSF. On Saturday night, the Criollas de Caguas moved one step closer to the Final with a straight-sets victory (25-23, 29-27, 25-13) over the Mets de Guaynabo at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
The Criollas’ offense was led by Diana Reyes and Kristin Lux, who both scored 15 points. They were followed by Sofía Victoria and Stephanie Enright, who each added 11 points.
For Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham led the scoring with 13 points, while Paola Santiago contributed 10.
The series will continue on Wednesday, April 16, at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Cangrejeras de Santurce swept the Atenienses de Manatí in Semifinal B on Saturday with another dominant 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-17, 25-18) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. With this win, the Cangrejeras advance to their third consecutive final.
Santurce faced the Pinkin de Corozal in the 2023 final, where Corozal came out on top. In 2024, Santurce defeated the Atenienses de Manatí, and now they await the winner of Caguas vs. Guaynabo.
The Cangrejeras had three players in double digits: Andrea Rangel (16), Tamara Otene (14), and Kara McGhee (10).
For Manatí, last season’s runners-up, Karla Santos and Jovyrelis Ayala scored 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Puerto Rico, April 10, 2025. – While the Mets were evening up Semifinal A with two wins apiece against the Criollas de Caguas at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, the defending champions, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, captured their ninth consecutive set in Semifinal B against the Atenienses at the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum in Manatí.
The Mets defeated the Criollas 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-15).
The series now moves to the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas this Saturday, April 12, for Game 5, in a matchup that has so far favored the home teams.
Guaynabo outperformed Caguas in attacks (53-51), aces (10-2), and digs (87-77). Both teams finished with 11 successful blocks, while Caguas led in receptions (40-28) and assists (24-20).
Guaynabo’s offense featured three players in double figures: Rebecca Latham (28 points), Paola Santiago (17), and Valeria Flores (16). For Caguas, Kristin Lux tallied 15 points, followed by Sofía Victoria with 13, and Diana Reyes and Alba Hernández with 12 each.
In Game 3 of the other semifinal series, the Cangrejeras de Santurce moved within one win of advancing to the LVSF Final after sweeping the Atenienses de Manatí 3-0 (25-17, 29-27, 25-18).
Manatí has yet to win a single set in the series. Santurce will look to complete the sweep at home this Saturday.
On offense, Santurce was led by Tamara Otene and Helena Grozer with 14 points each, along with Andrea Rangel who contributed 10 points. For Manatí, Karla Santos scored 12.
The semifinals are best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games advancing.
Puerto Rico, April 8, 2025.– In the semifinals of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) of Puerto Rico, the Criollas de Caguas successfully defended their home court at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum against the Mets de Guaynabo to regain the lead (2-1) in Series A, while the Cangrejeras de Santurce continue to dominate in Series B (2-0).
The Criollas secured the victory with set scores of 25-21, 26-24, 22-25, and 25-16.
Kristin Lux led the Criollas’ offense with 24 points, followed by Sofía Victoriá with 22. Diana Reyes and Stephanie Enright each contributed 12 points. For Guaynabo, Valeria Flores tallied 22 points, and Rebecca Latham added 18.
In Series B, the Cangrejeras de Santurce once again overpowered the Atenienses de Manatí at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in straight sets, 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-23). Manatí has yet to win a set in the series.
Tamara Otene led Santurce’s offense with 22 points, on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Andrea Rangel contributed 16 points, while Helena Grozer chipped in 11. For Manatí, Solimar Cestero stood out with 10 points.
The series continue on Thursday, April 10, when Santurce visits Manatí at the Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu “Bincito” Coliseum at 8:30 p.m., while Guaynabo will host Caguas at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum starting at 8:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, April 6, 2025. – The Mets de Guaynabo successfully defended their home court, the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, defeating the Criollas de Caguas 3-1 (25-17, 28-26, 20-25, 25-18) in the second match of Semifinal Series A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF).
The series is now tied 1-1 and will continue on Tuesday at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
Rebecca Latham led with 22 points, followed by Paola Santiago with 17, Valeria Flores with 15, and Alejandra Argüello with 10. For Caguas, Diana Reyes contributed 14 points, while the team committed 25 attack errors.
Maria Carvalhaes
The home team dominated the first set from the start and held off a late surge by the Criollas. The second set was a fierce battle, eventually won by Guaynabo thanks to a key block by Alejandra Argüello. Caguas responded by taking the third set, but the Mets sealed the victory with a strong finish in the fourth.
Guaynabo outblocked Caguas 13 to 8, edged them 77 to 76 in digs, and led 40 to 30 in receptions. Both teams finished with 53 attacks and 7 aces. Caguas had the edge in excellent digs, 20 to 18.
In the other semifinal, the Santurce Cangrejeras took the first match against the Manatí Atenienses in straight sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-18), led by standout performances from Tamara Otene and Helena Grozer with 16 points each, along with 12 from Andrea Rangel and 10 from Kara McGhee.
For Manatí, in a losing effort, Tristin Savage and Solimar Cestero each scored 13 points.
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, April 4, 2025. – The Criollas de Caguas kicked off Semifinal A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) on the right foot, defeating the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (25-19, 15-24, 26-24, 25-23) at home in the Roger Mendoza Coliseum.
With the match tied at one set apiece, both teams battled point-for-point in the third set, with ties at 21, 22, 23, and 24.
Caguas closed the set with back-to-back points: Raymariely Santos surprised the defense with a second touch, and Lauren Matthews followed with a strong spike off the Mets’ block.
Criollas celebrated
In the fourth set, the Criollas once again came from behind. Guaynabo pulled ahead 11-5 and led 16-12 at the second technical timeout, after a successful spike from Valeria Flores on the left wing (zone four).
The Mets couldn’t hold on to their 18-12 lead, and the Criollas responded with a 7-1 run to tie the score to 19, capped by a service ace from Lauren Matthews.
The teams remained tied up to 23-all. Caguas earned set point with a back-row attack by Ivania Ortiz and sealed the victory in the next play with a solid kill from Matthews on the right side (zone two).
Lauren Matthews led the Criollas’ offense with 19 points (14 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces), followed by Kristin Lux with 14 and Diana Reyes with 13.
For Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham scored 24 points, Paola Santiago added 17, and Valeria Flores contributed 15.
Caguas outperformed Guaynabo in blocks (13-11), aces (6-3), and assists (21-17). The Mets had the edge in attacks (59-51), digs (87-71), and receptions (46-43).
The next match of this best-of-seven series (first to four wins) will take place on Sunday, April 6, at the Mario Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, starting at 5:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 30, 2025.– The Mets de Guaynabo became the fourth semifinalist of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) after dominating Section A of the quarterfinals with a third consecutive victory over the Changas de Naranjito.
The Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Changas de Naranjito 3-0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-23) on Sunday at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum. Despite the loss, Naranjito fought until the last play of each set.
In the semifinals, the Mets de Guaynabo will face the Criollas de Caguas in Series A. Meanwhile, Series B promises to be a memorable battle between the defending champions, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, and the runners-up of the last tournament, the Atenienses de Manatí. The semifinals will begin on April 4.
During the quarterfinal match, the Changas were close to taking the second set with a 23-20 lead, but a 6-1 run by the Mets denied them the opportunity. In the third and decisive set, Naranjito came within 23-24, but a service error cost them the match and ultimately their postseason hopes.
Naranjito ended the season without securing a single road victory, including this quarterfinal series.
The Mets’ offense was led by Rebecca Latham with 16 points, supported by Valeria Flores and Paola Santiago, who each contributed 14 points.
For Naranjito, the top scorer was Genesis Collazo with 11 points.
Statistically, Guaynabo dominated in key areas, holding advantages in attacks (41-38), blocks (10-8), aces (8-2), digs (51-48), receptions (31-29), and assists (18-14).
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 29, 2025. – The Cangrejeras de Santurce swept their quarterfinal series in Section B of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) against the Valencianas de Juncos after securing their third consecutive victory.
The Cangrejeras defeated the Valencianas 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-17) on Saturday at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
With two sets in their favor, the Cangrejeras sealed the victory after dominating the second technical timeout of the third set with a 16-13 lead. Neira Ortiz attacked through the middle, Helena Grozer scored from zone four, and Ortiz struck again with two consecutive attacks. A block on Markenzie Benoit extended the lead to 20-13, a deficit that Juncos could not recover from.
Santurce reached set point at 24-17 with a powerful cross-court attack from Tamara Otene in zone four, then secured the win on the next play with an ace from Cristina Martínez.
Helena Grozer led the Cangrejeras with 15 points (13 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace). Andrea Rangel contributed 14 points, while Tamara Otene added 13. For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge stood out with 16 points.
The Cangrejeras outperformed the Valencianas in attacks (46-33), blocks (9-7), and assists (18-12). Juncos had the advantage in aces (5-2), digs (45-38), and receptions (31-27).
In the semifinals, the Cangrejeras will face last season’s runners-up, the Ateniensesde Manatí, who advanced directly to this stage after finishing second in the regular season.
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, March 29, 2025.– In the continuation of the Section A quarterfinals of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), held at the legendary Gelito Ortega court in Naranjito, the Mets de Guaynabo secured their second consecutive victory over the Changas de Naranjito, putting them just one win away from the semifinals.
The Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Changas de Naranjito 3-1 (25-19, 17-25, 26-24, 25-23).
With the match tied at one set apiece, the third set proved to be the most intense, extending into extra points, where the visiting team emerged victorious by holding off the home team’s surge.
In the fourth set, Naranjito refused to back down, making a strong push in the final phase, but was unable to complete the comeback. Guaynabo reached set point (24-19) with a powerful spike from Rebecca Latham. Although Changas scored four consecutive points, a hitting error by Génesis Collazo sealed the match.
Rebecca Latham once again stood out as Guaynabo’s key player, scoring 27 points, including 25 attacks and two blocks. Paola Santiago contributed 20 points, while Valeria Flores added 13.
For Naranjito, Adanna Rollins led the scoring with 27 points, followed by Aury Cruz with 14 and Génesis Collazo with 13.
The Mets dominated in attacks (62-50) and digs (80-60). Both teams recorded three aces, while the Changas led in blocks (17-13), receptions (42-35), and assists (23-16).
The Section B quarterfinals between the Cangrejeras de Santurce and the Valencianas de Juncos will continue with their third match on Saturday, March 29, at 8:12 PM at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. Santurce leads the series 2-0, and a victory would send them to the semifinals against the Atenienses de Manatí.
If necessary, a fourth match would be played at the Rafael G. Amalbert court in Juncos on Monday, March 31, at 8:30 PM.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, March 27, 2025. – Defending champions Cangrejeras de Santurce are just one victory away from advancing to the semifinals of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) after defeating Valencianas de Juncos 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-19) at the Rafael G. Amalbert court.
With a two-set lead, the Cangrejeras maintained control in the third. After the second technical timeout, a block against Emily Elliot put them ahead 19-15.
Juncos closed the gap to 18-19 thanks to an attack from Kelly Sánchez from zone four, but two errors by the home team allowed the Cangrejeras to regain a 21-18 lead, never looking back.
Santurce secured the set with two consecutive blocks, reaching 23-18. They earned match point at 24-18 after an off-target attack by Emily Elliot and sealed the victory at 25-19 with an attacking error from Hodge in zone four.
The statistics reflected Santurce’s dominance: 31-28 in attacks, 10-4 in blocks, 5-4 in aces, 52-47 in digs, and 12-11 in assists. Juncos had led in receptions (30-18).
On the offensive side, Andrea Rangel and Tamara Otene led the Cangrejeras with 14 and 11 points, respectively. For Juncos, only Emily Elliot reached double digits, scoring 11 points.
The next match in this Section B quarterfinal series will take place on Saturday, March 29, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, home of the Cangrejeras de Santurce, starting at 8:12 p.m.
In the other quarterfinal series, corresponding to Section A, the Mets de Guaynabo (1-0) will face the Changas de Naranjito (0-1) this Friday, March 28, at the legendary Gelito Ortega court at 8:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 27, 2025 .– The Mets de Guaynabo kicked off Section A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) quarterfinals on the right foot by defeating the Changas de Naranjito 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 20-25, 25-17).
Facing two sets down, the Changas managed to maintain a more solid passing game, allowing them to execute a fast attack from the wings and extend the match to a fourth set.
The top scorers for the Mets victory were Rebecca Latham, who tallied 28 points (25 in attacks, 2 blocks, and one ace); Paola Santiago with 20; Valeria Flores with 15; and Alejandra Argüello with 11.
Maria Clara Carvalhaes of Guaynabo
For Naranjito, which has yet to secure a win on the road this season, the best scorers were Adanna Rollins with 23 points, Génesis Collazo with 16, and Taylor Trammell with 11.
Guaynabo was superior in attacks (63-56), blocks (14-9), digs (96-89), and receptions (38-33). Naranjito led in aces (4-3) and assists (31-20).
Series A will continue next Friday at the legendary Gelito Ortega court in Naranjito, starting at 8:00 p.m.
In Section B, the quarterfinals will resume on Thursday, March 27, at the Rafael G. Amalbert court in Juncos, where the Valencianas will host the Cangrejeras de Santurce, who claimed victory in five sets in their first encounter.
March 26, 2025.- Mexico’s women’s volleyball team is moving forward with a new sense of purpose. The program is gaining better coaching, stronger training and more opportunities to grow through the support of FIVB Volleyball Empowerment. The goal was not only to improve results, but to also build a system where athletes feel supported and confident – an approach that is already making a difference on and off the court.
The women’s program is experiencing a shift driven by new ideas and renewed direction. The Empowerment initiative has provided the platform to introduce structural improvements, focused development plans and a stronger framework for long-term growth. What once felt fragmented is gradually being shaped into a clearer pathway for players and staff alike.
“For years our national women’s team has been nurtured by very talented young people who have trained from the youth categories at the national and international level,” said Mexican Volleyball Federation (FMVB) President Jesús Perales Navarro.
“We’ve always been known for having young and very brave teams across all categories. One of our biggest challenges was losing experienced players who had stood out at the professional level. But thanks to the excellent work of coach Nicola Negro, the national team – made up of very young girls playing in the NCAA – developed a new style of play and strong potential for the future.”
Mexico’s Key Achivements with Volleyball Empowerment
Since 2020, Mexico has received more than CHF 1 million in Empowerment support from FIVB, focused primarily on technical leadership. In 2023, the program delivered CHF 108,000 through application-based support and CHF 274,000 in targeted support. In 2025, the Empowerment support has entered its most significant phase yet, with CHF 320,000 allocated for a further 12 months of coaching support.
“For us as a country, this marked a turning point in Mexican volleyball,” Perales said. “It was a radical change from the start, as we had always relied on local coaches to lead our national teams. When Petry arrived, we began to see a new way of working – how we trained, how we prepared for competitions, and how we approached match analysis. Later, when Nicola and his team joined, this transformation grew stronger. The demands on the team increased, the players’ commitment to the national team deepened, and both the pace and quality of training improved. It created a new mindset and a stronger sense of belonging among our athletes.”
Perales said the arrival of experienced coaching and consistent support helped reshape the program.
“The Empowerment program has made a real difference, especially through coaches who adapted their training systems across all categories. The support, including materials and funding for experienced coaches, has transformed the national team,” he said. “This support has helped us build a stronger foundation, which we hope will shape our future senior team. We have young players with great potential and physical ability who will strengthen the team.”
“The work, discipline and clear objectives of each team member, all guided by coach Nicola Negro, helped our team reach a higher level with the support of the Empowerment program. We trained in better conditions, and this brought us closer to our coach’s system and style of play,” he added.
As the team prepares for the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, Perales said the program is focused on every detail.
“We have worked together with the technical team to prepare for the start of the season,” he said. “The physical trainer monitors each athlete’s progress daily, and we’re organising tournaments at home to help create the best possible conditions for the team before the World Championship. We’re also planning pre-camps and friendly matches.”
He said Negro’s tactical approach has brought a new rhythm and identity to the team.
“Nicola Negro gave another perspective to our game, taking advantage of and playing with the physical conditions that our team presents, adapting a faster game that makes it more complicated when playing against our country.”
Mexico’s results are already telling the story. Since 2021, the team has participated in three editions of the Women’s Pan American Cup, the NORCECA Senior Continental Championship and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
From 2023 onwards, their performances have stepped up. Mexico secured a silver medal at the U23 Pan American Cup in 2023, bronze at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, silver at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s Final Four and bronze at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s Final Six. Several players have earned places in tournament Dream Teams, including awards for best blocker, best attacker and notably best setter at the 2023 Pan American Games.
“It has had a major impact and is very important for our national team. The Mexican Olympic Committee (COM) and the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE) continue to support international events in our country because they recognize our team’s potential and what it can achieve,” said Perales.
“The support has given us the tools to evaluate the current state of our program, and from there, start building with stronger foundations,” he added. “We are now working to define roles and responsibilities within the program to build a stronger structure for the future. This has helped players feel more supported and confident. The change in direction is giving athletes a better environment to grow. It’s not just about training harder — it’s about training smarter, knowing our goals, and trusting that there’s a system behind them guiding the way.”
Athletes themselves recognize the shift.
“In my opinion, it had a big impact, and all for the better,” said Grecia Castro. “From the very beginning, when we were able to bring in a new staff, it had an impact because it gave us the chance to see volleyball in a different way than what we were used to. I’m preparing in the same way I always have – with consistency and a lot of sacrifices, staying focused and always trying to bring out the best version of myself. Because I feel that having learned so much has opened the door to new teams for me.”
“The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support has helped us in the best way possible, as it gave us the opportunity to have a highly professional foreign coach, with a lot of experience, and we’ve seen quite a few changes since he joined the Mexican women’s national team,” captain Jocelyn Urias said.
“We’ve significantly improved our level. With the preparation for the World Championship, I feel we will be much better prepared than in previous years, as there have already been more Mexican players abroad, whether in universities or professionally, and that expands our level. Having the support and connections within our own staff members has helped many players who have been able to experience leaving the country and increasing their level.”
Mexico already has its eyes on the next challenges.
“The team is seeking to qualify and be on the podium in the following Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026,” said Perales. “The qualification for the second edition continues to the Pan American Games and we seek to reach the podium again, as well as the qualification for LA28.”
He said the wider impact of the program is already being felt. “It has grown considerably, as the young people of our country see our players as an example to follow. It has opened a great door for women of all ages, since in our country there is an immense number of teams in each city and this has increased the number of female teams in our maximum event, which is the Youth Festival. We have also been able to identify future talents for the national teams.”
“We are working on this to constantly improve our women’s team, seeking sponsorship and reviewing areas of opportunity to improve the teams,” he added.
“We appreciate this great support, and we are aware of how much this support has meant for the development of our national team in recent years. We are working on creating a professional league, which we know will create a great opportunity for future generations who have not yet managed to establish themselves in a team abroad. This will ensure that, by staying in constant competition, each athlete’s performance will continue to improve.”
With a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, the Mexican women’s team is transforming their game from within.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 25, 2025. – The Cangrejeras de Santurce claimed victory in the opening match of Section B in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) quarterfinals, defeating the Valencianas de Juncos 3-2 (29-27, 22-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-12) at home in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.
The Cangrejeras showcased resilience and skill in a match defined by intensity and strategic play.
The offensive leadership of players like Tamara Otene and Andrea Rangel proved crucial, especially in the final points of each set. Meanwhile, Juncos demonstrated strong blocking but failed to maintain key leads, allowing Santurce to capitalize on opportunities and take control of the game.
Santurce’s offense was led by Tamara Otene with 25 points, Andrea Rangel with 20, Kara McGhee with 17, and Helena Grozer with 16.
For the Valencianas, Jaylen Hodge recorded 30 points, followed by Emily Elliott with 22, Kelly Sánchez with 14, and Adriana Rodríguez with 10.
Santurce outperformed Juncos in attacks (73-68), aces (6-5), digs (94-86), receptions (57-51), and assists (22-16). The Valencianas led in blocking (12-5).
The quarterfinal series will be played in a best-of-five format, with the first team to secure three victories advancing to the semifinals.
Quarterfinal action continues with Section A as the Mets de Guaynabo take on the Changas de Naranjito on Wednesday, March 26, at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum at 8:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 18, 2025. – The Mets de Guaynabo secured fourth place in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) after defeating the Valencianas de Juncos, setting up a quarterfinal matchup against the Changas de Naranjito.
The Mets claimed a dramatic 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 15-10) victory over the Valencianas at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum.
Guaynabo outperformed Juncos in attacks (62-58), service aces (5-3), and digs (84-69). Juncos, on the other hand, led in blocks (14-13), receptions (58-50), and assists (14-12).
The Mets’ offense was led by Rebecca Latham, Paola Santiago, and Valeria Flores, who scored 28, 20, and 19 points, respectively.
Despite the loss, Juncos earned one point and finished with a 5-14 record and 15 points. Their top offensive player was Jaylen Hodge, who scored 32 points: 27 in attacks, four in blocks, and one service ace.
Quarterfinal Matchups Set
The teams ranked 3rd to 6th in the regular season have advanced to the quarterfinals, divided into two sections:
Section A: Mets de Guaynabo (4th) vs. Changas de Naranjito (5th)
Section B: Cangrejeras de Santurce (3rd) vs. Valencianas de Juncos (6th)
The Criollas de Caguas (1st) and Atenienses de Manatí (2nd) have a bye to the semifinals.
The quarterfinal series will be played in a best-of-five format, with the first team winning three matches advancing to the semifinals.
The LVSF regular season will conclude on Saturday, March 22.
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, March 16, 2025. – The Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) now has two teams directly qualified for the semifinals following Saturday night’s results.
At the Roger Mendoza Court in Caguas, the Criollas made a comeback against the Mets de Guaynabo, pushing the match to an exciting fifth set, which secured their first-place finish in the standings. Caguas had already guaranteed its direct spot in the semifinals.
With the victory, the Criollas earned two points, solidifying their record at 14-5 and reaching 42 points in the standings. The win was sealed 3-2 (21-25, 25-20, 14-25, 25-17, 15-13).
Kristin Lux led the Criollas with 16 points (13 attacks and 3 blocks), followed by Paulina Pérez with 13 points and Alba Hernández with 11.
For Guaynabo, Valeria Flores led with 23 points on offense. Despite the loss, Guaynabo earned one point, holding an 8-11 record and 23 points in fourth place.
Statistically, Caguas outperformed Guaynabo in blocks (13-8) and assists (26-21), while the Mets dominated in attacks (70-52), aces (7-3), digs (108-83), and passes (48-35).
Atenienses Sweep Cangrejeras
At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the Atenienses de Manatí defeated the Cangrejeras de Santurce in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-23).
This victory granted Manatí three points, securing second place in the standings with a 12-7 record and 38 points, thus earning a direct spot in the semifinals. Santurce, on the other hand, did not add any points and remains in third place with a 10-8 record and 30 points.
Karla Santos was the key player for the Atenienses with 20 points, followed by Dariana Hollingsworth, who contributed 12. On the Cangrejeras’ side, Tamara Otene led with 15 points.
Valencianas Dominate Changas
The Valencianas de Juncos secured a 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-22, 25-23) on the road against the Changas de Naranjito at the legendary Gelito Ortega Court.
Jaylen Hodge stood out as the top scorer of the match with 23 points for the Valencianas, while Emily Elliot added 19. For the home team, Aury Cruz contributed 10 points.
With this result, Juncos improved its record to 5-13 and accumulated 14 points in the standings, while Naranjito, in fifth place, now holds a 7-12 record and 21 points.
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, March 14, 2025. – In an intense Thursday night of action in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Cangrejeras de Santurce, Atenienses de Manatí, and Mets de Guaynabo secured crucial victories in their respective matchups.
This week, the final stretch of the regular season, promises to be electrifying as the Cangrejeras and Atenienses fiercely battle for a direct semifinal berth.
Cangrejeras and Criollas in an Epic Showdown
At the iconic Roger Mendoza court, the Cangrejeras de Santurce allowed little room for the already-qualified Criollas de Caguas, claiming a four-set victory (25-21, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23) and securing all three points at stake.
Santurce’s superiority was evident in attack, leading 67-48 in kills, and in aces, with a 6-3 advantage. They also dominated in digs (76-64), receptions (35-31), and assists (22-19). However, Caguas had the edge in blocks, outscoring Santurce 9-7.
The Cangrejeras’ offense was commanded by Tamara Otene, Andrea Rangel, Helena Grozer, and Kara McGhee, who scored 23, 19, 17, and 15 points, respectively. For Caguas, Kristin Lux stood out with 13 points, while Diana Reyes and Paulina Pérez contributed 10 each.
With this victory, Santurce improved to a 10-7 record and 30 points, securing third place. Meanwhile, Caguas remains atop the standings with a 13-5 record and 40 points.
Cangrejeras block
Atenienses Claim Three Points Against Valencianas
At the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, the Atenienses de Manatí edged closer to the top spot held by the Criollas after sweeping the Valencianas (25-15, 29-27, 25-21), earning three crucial points and improving their record to 11-7 with 35 points.
Manatí did not have any players reaching double digits in scoring, with Dariana Hollingsworth, Kjersti Strong, and Karla Santos each tallying nine points. For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge was the standout performer with 24 points.
Juncos remains in last place with a 4-13 record and 11 points.
Mets Defeat Changas at the Quijote
The Mets de Guaynabo secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory (25-19, 25-19, 12-25, 25-23) at home in the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum against the Changas de Naranjito.
Rebecca Latham led Guaynabo’s offense with a stellar 24-point performance, followed by Valeria Flores, who added 17 points.
For Naranjito, Génesis Collazo was the top scorer with 19 points, while Aury Cruz, Adanna Rollins, and Taylor Trammell contributed 17, 16, and 10 points, respectively.
With this victory, Guaynabo climbs to fourth place with an 8-10 record and 22 points, while Changas drop to fifth place with a 7-11 record and 21 points.
A Decisive Weekend Ahead
LVSF action continues Saturday with three thrilling matchups.
The Atenienses de Manatí will visit the Cangrejeras de Santurce in a showdown that could determine second place or bring Santurce closer to securing the desired spot. The match is scheduled for 8:12 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Criollas de Caguas, needing just one point to clinch first place, will host the Mets de Guaynabo. Additionally, the Valencianas de Juncos will travel to the legendary Gelito Ortega court to take on the Changas de Naranjito. Both matches are set to begin at 8:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 12, 2025. – The Mets de Guaynabo and the Criollas de Caguas delivered a thrilling showdown for their fans at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, with Caguas securing a 3-1 victory (28-26, 27-25, 21-25, 28-26). This win makes them the first team to qualify directly for the semifinals of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF).
Caguas earned three points, improving their record to 13-4 with a total of 40 accumulated points.
The Atenienses de Manatí (10-7, 32 points) and the Cangrejeras de Santurce (9-7, 27 points) will battle for second place, which grants another direct spot in the semifinals.
Caguas had the edge in attacks (64-63) and blocks (14-9), while the Mets dominated in aces (7-2), digs (86-82), and receptions (46-41). Both teams finished with 24 assists.
The Criollas’ offense was led by Stephanie Enright with 24 points, including 20 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces. Kristin Lux followed with 19 points, and Sofía Victoriá added 18.
For Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham scored an impressive 37 points, with 33 kills, 1 block, and 3 aces.
With this victory, the Criollas now lead the head-to-head series against the Mets 2-1.
Newly signed Paola Santiago, who recently played in Turkey, did not see action in the match.
The Women’s Volleyball Superior League continues this Thursday, March 13, with three matches:
Santurce visits Caguas at 8:00 p.m.
The Mets de Guaynabo host the Changas de Naranjito at 8:00 p.m.
The Atenienses de Manatí travel to the Rafael G. Amalbert court to face the Valencianas de Juncos at 8:30 p.m.
March 11, 2025.- With 32 teams vying for the prestigious world champions title, the tournament will feature 64 thrilling matches over 14 competition days, hosted across four iconic cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The tournament will commence on August 22 with an exciting pair of opening matches at 16:00 local time (09:00 UTC). Czechia meets Argentina in Pool D while Puerto Rico faces France in Pool C. An hour later, action in Pools A and B will begin with the Netherlands meeting Sweden and Belgium competing against Cuba.
Reigning Volleyball Nations League 2024 champions and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Italy will open their Pool B campaign against Slovakia in Phuket at 20:30 (13:30 UTC)
Host nation Thailand will wrap up a historic opening day, meeting Pool A opponent Egypt in front of a passionate home crowd also at 20:30 local time, but in Bangkok. Thailand, known for their fast-paced and energetic style of play, will be looking to capitalize on home-court advantage and deliver strong performances in front of their fans.
Defending world champions Serbia, aiming for a third consecutive title, will instead begin their campaign in Pool H against Ukraine on August 23 at 20:30 (13:30 UTC).
Competition in the first phase will see each pool play on alternate days, with Pools A, B, C, and D competing on August 22, 24, and 26, while Pools E, F, G, and H take the court on August 23, 25, and 27.
Following the conclusion of the pool stage, the top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance to the knockout phase, starting with the Round of 16 from August 29 to September 1. The Quarter-Finals will be held on September 3 and 4, followed by the Semi-Finals on September 6. The tournament will culminate on September 7 with the bronze medal match at 15:30 (08:30 UTC), leading into the final gold medal match at 19:30 (12:30 UTC) in Bangkok, where the next world champions will be crowned.
As the host nation, Thailand is set to provide a vibrant and unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. With top-tier volleyball action and an electric atmosphere, the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 – the first-ever to be held in Southeast Asia – promises to be a landmark edition of the sport’s premier event.
Watch the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 live on VBTV.
Puerto Rico, March 9, 2025. – The results from Sunday night in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) are starting to highlight just how tight the battle for the top two spots will be, as these teams will advance directly to the semifinals.
At the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum, the Atenienses added three more points after defeating the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16), closing in on the tournament leaders, the Criollas de Caguas, who lost to the Changas de Naranjito without earning any points.
The Atenienses now hold a 10-7 record with 32 accumulated points, just five behind Caguas. Manatí won two matches this week, both in four sets.
Manatí’s offense was evenly distributed among Dariana Hollingsworth with 19 points (14 attacks and 5 blocks), Ariana Pagán with 15, Karla Santos with 13, and Tristin Savage with 11.
The Atenienses outperformed the Mets in attacks (51 to 43), blocks (13 to 8), digs (82 to 71), receptions (38 to 30), and assists (29 to 13). Both teams recorded four service aces.
For Guaynabo (7-9, 19 points), now in fifth place, Rebecca Latham led with 23 points.
Santurce Closes the Week with Three Consecutive Wins
The Cangrejeras de Santurce dominated the Valencianas de Juncos 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-17, 25-19) at the Rafael G. Amalbert court, improving their record to 9-7 with 27 points, securing third place with four matches left in the regular season.
Santurce’s top scorer was Tamara Otene with 21 points (20 attacks and 1 block), while Andrea Rangel and Kara McGhee each contributed 14 points, and Neira Ortiz added 10.
Santurce outperformed Juncos in attacks (48 to 44), blocks (17 to 8), and digs (70 to 57). The Valencianas led in service aces (5 to 3) and receptions (34 to 28). Both teams finished with 10 assists.
For Juncos (4-12, 11 points), the top scorers were Jaylen Hodge with 17 points, Emily Elliot with 13, and Adriana Rodríguez with 10.
The Cangrejeras had a perfect week, securing wins against Guaynabo, Naranjito, and Juncos.
Changas Defeat Criollas Again
The Changas de Naranjito once again defeated the Criollas de Caguas in their legendary home court, this time 3-1 (28-26, 25-20, 18-25, 29-27). The head-to-head series between both teams ended in a 2-2 tie.
With the victory, the Changas moved up to fourth place with a 7-10 record and 21 points, while the Criollas failed to add points this week, finishing with a 1-2 record, standing at 12-4 with 37 total points.
Caguas remains the tournament leader.
All of Naranjito’s wins were at home.
Andrea Serra, Aury Cruz, and Génesis Collazo led Naranjito’s offense with 19, 16, and 14 points, respectively.
For Caguas, Stephanie Enright led with 21 points, followed by 11 points from Kristin Lux and Diana Reyes, along with 10 from Alba Hernández.
Naranjito was superior in digs (103 to 88), receptions (55 to 38), and assists (28 to 26), while Caguas dominated in attacks (58 to 51) and blocks (13 to 10). Both teams recorded six service aces.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, March 5, 2025. – While the Cangrejeras de Santurce dominated the Mets de Guaynabo at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey to claim the Metropolitan Cup, the Criollas de Caguas secured their twelfth victory of the season at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum, maintaining their position as the absolute leaders of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League.
The Criollas de Caguas defeated the Valencianas de Juncos 23-25, 25-22, 27-25, and 25-20, earning all three available points from the match and moving closer to a direct berth in the semifinals with a 12-2 record and 37 points accumulated.
Juncos did not earn any points from the result and now holds a 3-11 record with 9 points, remaining at the bottom of the standings.
For the Criollas, Stephanie Enright and Diana Reyes both reached double digits with 14 points each, followed by Kristin Lux with 13 points. Raymariely Santos contributed 26 assists.
For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge, Adriana Rodríguez, and Lindsay Stalzer scored 22, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
Caguas outperformed Juncos 27-18 in assists. Juncos led in attacks (53-50), service aces (5-4), defenses (78-75), and receptions (54-40). Both teams finished with 12 successful blocks.
Cangrejeras Dominate the Mets
The Cangrejeras de Santurce secured a commanding 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17) victory over the Mets de Guaynabo.
With this win, the Cangrejeras lifted the trophy of the inaugural edition of the Metropolitan Cup, an award born from an alliance between both franchises that recognizes the team with the best record in their head-to-head series.
Andrea Rangel and Tamara Otene led Santurce’s offense with 15 points each.
For the Mets, Rebecca Latham stood out with 18 points, but her effort was not enough to prevent the defeat.
Santurce claimed all three available points and now sits in third place with a 7-7 record and 21 points accumulated. Guaynabo holds the same record but trails by three points, sharing fourth place with the Changas de Naranjito at 18 points.
February 3, 2025.– Over the weekend in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), the Cangrejeras de Santurce caused a three-way tie, while the Valencianas de Juncos defeated the Changas de Naranjito.
On Sunday, the Cangrejeras secured a 3-1 victory (25-22, 25-17, 19-25, 25-22) over the Atenienses de Manatí at the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu Coliseum, creating a three-way tie with the Mets de Guaynabo and the Changas de Naranjito. Each team now has 18 accumulated points.
Santurce holds a record of 6-7 with 18 points. Manatí did not add any points and remains in second place with a record of 8-7 and 26 points.
The Cangrejeras’ offensive effort was evenly distributed, with Kara McGhee scoring 14 points, while Tamara Otene and Helena Grozer contributed 13 points each, and Neira Ortiz added 12.
For Manatí, Dariana Hollingsworth and Karla Santos each recorded 20 points.
Santurce dominated in blocks (12-6), while Manatí led in attacks (52-48), aces (7-4), digs (72-65), and receptions (51-41). Both teams ended with 17 assists.
On Saturday, the Valencianas de Juncos fought hard to defeat the Changas de Naranjito in a five-set thriller (25-21, 15-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-6).
With this result, both teams earned points. The Valencianas claimed two points, breaking a four-game losing streak. Despite still being at the bottom of the standings, they improved their record to 3-10 with 9 points.
This victory marked the first win for their new head coach, Juan “Juanchi” Figueroa, who replaced Gerardo De Jesús following his resignation. Figueroa now holds a 1-1 record.
Juncos had not won since February 9, when they defeated the Atenienses de Manatí at their home court, the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum. All of the Valencianas’ victories have come at home.
The Changas earned one point and now stand at 6-9 with 18 points, tying for third place with the Mets de Guaynabo. Naranjito has yet to win an away game.
Juncos’ offensive leaders were Jaylen Hodge with 32 points (31 in attacks and one ace), followed by Emily Elliott with 23 points and Adriana Rodríguez with 12. For the Changas, Adanna Rollins led with 21 points, while Génesis Collazo contributed 18.
Juncos outperformed Naranjito in attacks (67-49), digs (81-49), receptions (51-34), and assists (17-15). Both teams registered 10 successful blocks, while Naranjito had the edge in aces (7-6).
LVSF action continues on Wednesday, March 5, with two matches: the Criollas de Caguas will visit the Valencianas de Juncos at 8:30 p.m., while Santurce will host the Mets de Guaynabo in a match set to begin at 8:12 p.m.
February 27, 2025.- The Criollas de Caguas, Changas de Naranjito, and Atenienses de Manatí secured victories on Thursday in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF).
At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the “Dominican Night” took place, during which the Cangrejeras’ management gave away 3,000 tickets for the match. The Consul of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Rico, Mr. César Cedeño, performed the honorary first serve.
Caguas earned a hard-fought 3-1 (26-24, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23) victory over the Cangrejeras de Santurce.
The win improved Caguas’ record to 11 wins and only 2 losses, accumulating 34 points to remain at the top of the tournament standings. Meanwhile, the Cangrejeras dropped to fifth place with a 5-7 record and 15 points.
For the Criollas, Sofía Victoria led the offense with 20 points, followed by Kristin Lux with 13 and Julie Oliveira Souza with 10.
On Santurce’s side, Tamara Otene scored 26 points, Andrea Rangel added 19, and Helena Grozer contributed 14.
Changas Get Revenge on Mets at the Gelito
At the Gelito Ortega Coliseum, the Changas de Naranjito avenged their previous loss to the Mets de Guaynabo by sweeping them in straight sets.
Naranjito claimed a 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-16) victory, securing all three available points from the match. With this win, they improved their record to 6-8 with 17 points, moving up to fourth place.
Guaynabo failed to earn any points, remaining in third place with a 7-6 record and 18 points.
The Changas’ offensive leaders were Génesis Collazo (13 points), Adanna Rollins (12), and Andrea Serra (11).
Atenienses Spoil Juan Figueroa’s Debut
The Atenienses de Manatí spoiled the debut of Juan Figueroa, the new head coach of the Valencianas de Juncos, who replaced Gerardo De Jesús. Manatí secured a 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16) victory.
Manatí’s double-digit scorers included Dariana Hollingsworth with 13 points, Tristin Savage with 12, and both Karla Santos and Kjersti Stong with 11 each.
For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge was the only player to reach double digits, scoring 15 points.
Manatí collected three points to maintain second place with an 8-6 record and 26 points. Juncos remains at the bottom of the standings with a 2-10 record and 7 points.
February 26, 2025.- Volleyball Canada is pleased to announce that Kingston in Ontario, Canada, will be the host city of the women’s U19 Pan American Cup, which will take place at Queen’s University’s Athletics & Recreation Centre, June 24 to 29, 2025.
The local organizing committee will include Tourism Kingston, Queen’s University and the Kingston Rock Volleyball Club.
The U19 Pan Am Cup will bring together eight teams (TBA) of top age-class athletes from NORCECA – the North, Central, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation. Many of these young athletes will go on to represent their country at the senior level at events such as the World Championships and Olympic Games.
The event was last held in Puerto Rico in 2023 and saw the U.S. win gold, followed by Mexico with silver, and host Puerto Rico winning bronze. This year, Team Canada will get to play on home soil, joining its zonal rivals for the five days of competition. Team Canada will host a week-long training camp for 18 athletes prior to competition at Queen’s University. The team will also use this training camp and tournament to prepare for the FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship to be held in Croatia and Serbia in July.
With an active, growing volleyball community in Kingston and with support from the Ontario Volleyball Association, excitement for this event is expected to be significant. Queen’s Athletics & Recreation Centre offers an excellent host facility, fresh off hosting the 2024 U SPORTS Men’s Volleyball National Championships and with strong, nationally ranked varsity volleyball programs.
Kingston’s successful bid to host the U19 Pan Am Championships was announced to volleyball supporters this past weekend at the Queen’s Gaels men’s & women’s volleyball home playoff games.
“Kingston Rock Volleyball Club is thrilled to welcome Volleyball Canada and an international competition to our city. With a strong community of athletes, coaches, and supporters, our club continues to grow, providing opportunities for over 400 athletes between the ages of seven and 18 to develop their skills and love for the game. This event is an exciting milestone, and we can’t wait to showcase the energy and talent that make Kingston a fantastic volleyball destination”, stated Matt Somerville – Executive Director, Kingston Rock Volleyball Club.
“The U19 Pan Am Cup offers an exciting opportunity for our rising stars to compete against top opponents from across the region. This event will also serve as excellent preparation for the upcoming FIVB U19 World Championships in Croatia and Serbia following this event. Any time we play in Canada it’s special. Hosting an international tournament on home soil allows us to showcase our country’s commitment to the sport, while giving athletes the chance to gain memorable exposure and experience in front of friends, family, and the wider volleyball community”, expressed Shannon Winzer, Volleyball Canada High Performance Director (Women’s indoor)
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, February 25, 2025. – In the only match of Tuesday’s schedule in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Guaynabo Mets comfortably defeated the Naranjito Changas 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14) to claim sole possession of third place in the standings.
Guaynabo secured all three available points from the match, improving their record to 7-5 with 18 points, breaking a tie they previously held with the Santurce Cangrejeras. Naranjito failed to earn any points and remains in fifth place with a 5-8 record and 14 points.
The Mets’ offense was led by Rebecca Latham with 17 points, while Legna Hernández and Valeria Flores each contributed 15 points. For Naranjito, Génesis Collazo finished with 10 points.
Guaynabo outperformed Naranjito in attacks (50-23), blocks (7-5), aces (6-4), digs (76-52), and assists (21-8). Naranjito had the advantage in receptions (32-22).
The Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) action continues Thursday, February 27, with three matches:
Puerto Rico, February 24, 2025. – In last weekend’s matches of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Mets de Guaynabo closed out the sixth week with a perfect record, while the Changas de Naranjito ended the winning streak of the Criollas de Caguas.
On Sunday at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Atenienses de Manatí 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-25, 15-10).
With this result, both teams earned points: the Mets secured two points, tying for third place with the Cangrejeras and improving their record to 6-5 with 15 points. Meanwhile, Manatí earned one point to remain in second place with a 7-6 record and 23 points, trailing the Criollas de Caguas.
Guaynabo’s top scorers were Rebecca Latham with 36 points (34 in attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace), followed by Valeria Flores with 17 points and Legna Hernández with 10.
For the Atenienses, Dariana Hollingsworth and Karla Santos each contributed 20 points, while Chareika Carrión added 16 and Tristin Savage 15.
Guaynabo outperformed Manatí in aces (8-4), while Manatí led in attacks (64-62), blocks (12-7), digs (78-64), receptions (45-44), and assists (15-13).
On Saturday, the Changas de Naranjito ended the Criollas de Caguas’ winning streak with a five-set victory (25-22, 25-22, 20-25, 22-25, 15-10) at the legendary Gelito Ortega court.
The Changas earned two points, improving to 5-7 with 14 points and moving into fourth place behind the Cangrejeras de Santurce.
The winning offense featured several players in double figures, led by Adanna Rollins with 24 points (21 in attacks and 3 in blocks), followed by Génesis Collazo with 19 and Taylor Trammel with 13.
For Caguas, Julie Oliveira Souza tallied 27 points (24 in attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace), followed by Paulina Pérez with 16 and Diana Reyes with 11.
Naranjito outperformed Caguas in blocks (22-9), while Caguas had the edge in attacks (67-53), digs (96-92), receptions (48-34), and assists (21-18).
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, February 20, 202. – In Thursday’s action in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), the Mets, Criollas, and Cangrejeras all secured victories.
At the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, the Mets de Guaynabo edged out the Valencianas de Juncos 3-2 (13-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23).
With this result, both teams earned points. Guaynabo picked up two points, improving to a 5-5 record with 13 points overall, moving up to fourth place. Juncos remains in last place but gained a point despite the loss, now standing at 2-9 with seven total points.
Rebecca Latham led the Mets’ offense with 32 points, including 28 kills and four blocks. She was followed by Valeria Flores with 19 points and Legna Hernández with 10.
For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge registered 30 points, with 27 kills and three blocks, while Lindsay Stalzer and Adriana Rodríguez contributed 16 points each.
Criollas Unstoppable
At the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum in Manatí, the Criollas defeated the Atenienses 3-1 (26-24, 25-22, 14-25, 25-20), earning their 10th win of the season.
The Criollas de Caguas have not lost a match since January 30. They hold a 10-1 record with 30 accumulated points, maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
The Atenienses, currently in second place, now have a 7-5 record with 22 points.
This marks the third time Caguas has defeated Manatí this season, all in four sets.
Caguas’ offense was powered by Sofía Victoriá, Kristin Lux, and Alba Hernández with 14, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
For Manatí, Dariana Hollingsworth, Kjersti Strong, Karla Santos, Tristin Savage, and Chareika Carrión contributed 21, 16, 15, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Caguas outperformed Manatí in blocks (14-8). Both teams recorded 90 digs, while Manatí led in kills (63-48), aces (5-4), receptions (52-24), and assists (30-28).
Cangrejeras Secure Sole Possession of Third Place
At the legendary Gelito Ortega Court, the Cangrejeras defeated the Changas de Naranjito in straight sets (26-24, 25-23, 25-17), earning all three available points and securing sole possession of third place in the standings.
The Cangrejeras’ offensive efforts were led by Helena Grozer with 15 points, followed by Andrea Rangel and Gina Prososki with 11 each, and Neira Ortiz with 10.
With this win, the Cangrejeras improved to a 5-6 record with 15 points, while the Changas failed to earn any points, dropping to fifth place with a 4-7 record and 12 points overall.
The Cangrejeras outperformed their opponents in kills (40-30), blocks (11-7), digs (64-53), and receptions (47-34). Both teams finished with 12 assists, while Naranjito had the edge in aces (4-3).
HAVANA, Cuba, February 19, 2025. – The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center has inaugurated the International Level 2 Coaching Course in Havana, Cuba.
A total of 32 coaches from Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Cuba are participating in the course. They attended the opening ceremony, presided over by Mrs. Teresa Yamila Méndez Álvarez, Deputy Minister of the National Institute of Sports of Cuba; Yumilka Ruíz, Volleyball Commissioner; Osvaldo de Martinez, President of the Cuban Volleyball Federation; Professor Nelson José Ramírez, Director of the NORCECA/FIVB Volleyball Development Center based in the Dominican Republic; and FIVB instructor Luis Muchaga from Spain, who is also the course director. Muchaga will be joined by lecturers Enrique Pacheco from Puerto Rico and Gilberto Herrera, as well as FIVB instructors Francisco Cruz Jiménez and Justo Morales. Additionally, Dr. Lenin Hernández will present on medical aspects, while Rusber Campos from Venezuela will discuss current volleyball statistics.
Prof. Nelson Jose Ramirez
Classes will be held at the facilities of the National Institute of Sports and the Cuban Volleyball Federation’s National Training Center until Sunday, February 23.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Teresa Yamila Álvarez expressed gratitude to NORCECA and the International Volleyball Federation FIVB for their support of this initiative. She encouraged all coaches to apply the knowledge they acquire in service of their countries, especially the local participants, to ensure that Cuba remains a global volleyball reference.
Professor Nelson José Ramírez emphasized that the Volleyball Development Center is dedicated to addressing the needs of all countries, following a policy established by Cristóbal Marte. He affirmed, “NORCECA is committed to all the initiatives of the Development Center to provide training in all areas of volleyball.”
February 18, 2025.- The host cities for the highly anticipated 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals have been announced. The Women’s Finals of this year’s landmark edition will take place in Łódź, Poland, at the renowned Atlas Arena from 23 to 27 July 2025, while the Men’s Finals are scheduled for 30 July to 3 August 2025, and are set to take place at the Ningbo Beilun Sports and Arts Center, in Ningbo, China.
The selection of Łódź as the host city for the women’s finals is a testament to Poland’s history as a powerhouse in international volleyball, with its passionate fanbase and strong volleyball ecosystem. Poland also has an exceptional track record when it comes to hosting major international volleyball events – including the men’s final of the VNL last year.
In what was a record-breaking VNL 2024 globally, which witnessed a remarkable 13% growth in attendance from 2023, a cumulative audience of 46 million in Poland tuned in to catch the electrifying action, with 409 hours of live broadcast on the Polsat network. The Women’s VNL match between Poland and Germany was the second-highest sports programme on the channel for 2024. With a revamped VNL in 2025, the stage is set for yet another record-breaking competition!
The VNL will also return to China in 2025. Having hosted two stops of the Women’s VNL last year, China achieved exceptional viewership numbers, making it one of the biggest sporting events of the year in the country. There was a cumulative audience of 268 million with 168 hours of live broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV).
Moreover, the VNL was the second-highest sports broadcast in China for 2024, with peak viewership reaching 23.6 million. Having played host to continental competitions and qualifying rounds for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Ningbo will no doubt put on another spectacular show in 2025.
With its expanded format, intensified competition and new opportunities for more volleyball nations, the 2025 VNL promises to be the most exciting edition yet. Fans can expect a true celebration of the sport as the best teams in the world battle for VNL glory!
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, February 16, 2025.– In the only match on Sunday in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Cangrejeras de Santurce 3-1 (26-24, 25-19, 15-25, 25-16) at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum to take a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head series at the Metropolitan Cup.
With this victory, the Mets secured all three available points and improved their record to 4-5 with 11 accumulated points, remaining in fifth place in the standings. Santurce stays in third place with a 4-6 record and 12 points, tied with the Changas de Naranjito.
Guaynabo’s top scorers were Rebecca Latham, Legna Hernández, Valeria Flores, and Alejandra Argüello, with 23, 15, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
For Santurce, Helena Grozer, Andrea Rangel, and Neira Ortiz contributed 20, 15, and 12 points, respectively. Newly signed reinforcement Tamara Otene added 10 points, all from attacks.
Guaynabo outperformed Santurce in blocks (11-9), digs (75-66), and assists (22-18). Santurce led in receptions (35-28). Both teams finished with 51 attacks and five service aces.
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, February 15, 2025. – In Saturday’s action in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Changas de Naranjito defeated the Atenienses de Manatí to tie for third place in the standings with the Cangrejeras, while the Criollas de Caguas secured their ninth victory of the season by defeating the Valencianas.
The Changas de Naranjito defeated the Atenienses de Manatí 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19) at the iconic Gelito Ortega court.
With this victory, Naranjito improved to a 4-6 record with 12 points, tying with the Cangrejeras for third place. Both teams have the same number of wins and points, but the Cangrejeras hold one less loss.
Opposite hitter Génesis Collazo led the Changas’ offense with 18 points, including 14 attacks and four blocks. She was followed by Adanna Rollins with 14 points and Andrea Serra with 11.
For the Atenienses (7-4, 22 points), Chareika Carrión was the top scorer with 18 points, all on attacks. Karla Santos added 17 points, Tristin Savage contributed 11, and both Kjersti Strong and Dariana Hollingsworth finished with 10 points each.
Naranjito outperformed Manatí in blocks (15-13) and service aces (2-1), while Manatí led in attacks (57-43), digs (70-66), receptions (51-29), and assists (20-11).
Third Victory for Caguas Over Juncos
The Criollas de Caguas successfully defended their home court at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, defeating the Valencianas de Juncos in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 28-26).
This marked Caguas’ third win over Juncos this season, solidifying their position at the top of the standings with a 9-1 record and 27 points.
Caguas’ offense was led by French player Julie Oliveira Souza, who recorded 16 points, 13 on attacks and three from blocks. Diana Carolina Reyes followed with 13 points, including 12 attacks and one block.
For Juncos (2-8, 6 points), Jaylen Hodge led with 21 points, the only player on her team to reach double digits.
Caguas outperformed Juncos in attacks (46-43), blocks (6-5), digs (58-49), and assists (19-16). Meanwhile, Juncos led in receptions (42-29).
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, February 13, 2025. – The Changas de Naranjito, Atenienses de Manatí, and Criollas de Caguas each secured three points in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF).
At the legendary Gelito Ortega court, the Changas de Naranjito defeated the Valencianas de Juncos 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-20), moving up to fourth place in the standings. This marked the seventh loss of eight matches for the Valencianas, placing them at the bottom of the standings with a 2-7 record and six points.
The Changas, now at 3-6 with nine points, were led offensively by Génesis Collazo and Adanna Rollins, who each contributed 13 points. Taylor Trammel followed with 10 points.
Naranjito outperformed Juncos in digs (47-43), while Juncos led in assists (16-14). Both teams were tied in attacks (39), blocks (8), and aces (7).
Atenienses Overcome Cangrejeras
At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the visiting Atenienses de Manatí defeated the Cangrejeras de Santurce 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 26-24, 25-20).
Manatí outperformed Santurce in attacks (60-52), blocks (12-10), aces (6-5), digs (104-99), receptions (59-51), and assists (30-18).
Karla Santos, Dariana Hollingsworth, Chareika Carrión, and Tristin Savage led the winning team with 27, 19, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
For Santurce, Andrea Rangel scored 19 points, while Neira Ortiz and Helena Grozer each added 15 points, and Gina Prososki contributed 13.
The Atenienses remain in second place with a 7-3 record and 22 points, while Santurce holds third place at 4-5 with 12 points.
Criollas Win Rematch Against Mets
The Criollas de Caguas avenged their only loss of the season, handed to them by the Mets, by defeating them 3-1 (16-25, 25-22, 25-13, 25-11).
With the match tied at one set apiece, the Criollas had a strong start in the third set, taking a 7-1 lead and securing the first technical timeout at 8-2 with a successful attack from French player Julie Oliveira Souza. They also won the second technical timeout 16-6 after a failed attack by Rebecca Latham.
From that point on, it was all Caguas, including the next set, where they recorded 21 blocks compared to just nine by the visitors.
Both teams ended the match tied in attacks (42), blocks (4), and assists (18). The Mets had the edge in digs (86-85) and receptions (35-24).
Diana Reyes led the Criollas’ offense with 16 points,11 on attacks, four on blocks, and one ace. She was joined by Sofía Victoriá (15), Julie Oliveira Souza (14), and Alba Hernández (12), who registered eight blocks.
For the Mets, Rebecca Latham was the top scorer with 22 points.
Caguas remains at the top of the standings with an 8-1 record and 24 points, while the Mets drop to fifth place with a 3-5 record and eight points.
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, February 10, 2025.- Two wildcats have been chosen to represent the energy, passion, and spirit of perseverance of the more than 4,000 athletes who will take part in the most important youth sports celebration on the continent.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña.
A new era has begun! On February 10, at the iconic Port of Asunción, the official presentation of the mascots for the Junior Pan American Games ASU2025 took place.
The event was filled with excitement and was attended by the country’s top authorities, including the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña; Minister of Sports, César Ramírez Caje; President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and IOC member, Camilo Pérez López Moreira; General Director of ASU2025, Victor Pecci; Deputy General Director of ASU2025, Larissa Schaerer; national athletes, members of the press, influencers, and the stars of the night, the official mascots.
“Today, we take another step toward the Games that will be a milestone for our country. Tito and Tika embody the energy, passion, and spirit of perseverance of our athletes. We hope that people will feel represented by them and welcome them with open arms”, said Camilo Pérez López Moreira, President of the Olympic Committee and IOC member.
The official mascot is the soul of every Games, representing the essence, culture, and history of the host city. It serves as a cultural ambassador, bringing together the country’s residents, athletes, delegations, volunteers, and everyone who chooses to be part of the event. That’s why each edition introduces a unique mascot that aims to leave a lasting legacy.
“The official mascots connect us with our essence, our wildlife, and the fighting spirit of every athlete coming to ASU2025”, expressed Larissa Schaerer, Deputy General Director of ASU2025.
Tirika, the beloved mascot of the 2022 Odesur Games and the current official representative of Team Paraguay, went on a scouting mission across the country in search of new talent for ASU2025. After countless adventures, a few stumbles, and a nostalgic journey back to Chaco, he found the perfect candidates: Tito and Tika, two wildcats with an unmistakable spark and attitude that only he could recognize.
His sharp feline instincts left no room for doubt, they were the chosen ones. These two are not only full of energy but also fully committed, eager to have a great time, and with hearts already beating for the Games.
Tito and Tika, the ASU2025 rookies, are the yin and yang
Tito loves to have fun, but at the same time, he keeps an eye on everything. If something isn’t right or if he sees Tika about to get into trouble, he’s there, taking charge and making sure their mischief doesn’t get out of hand. He is responsible, careful, and knows how to restore order when things get a little chaotic.
Tika, on the other hand, doesn’t worry too much about limits. She has that mischievous spark that leads her to do unpredictable yet fun things, keeping everyone on their toes and wondering what she’ll come up with next.
Both share the same physical abilities, they can practice all sports, are agile, know how to dance, and enjoy social media.
The Smallest Feline of the Chaco
The official mascots embody a mix of cleverness, adventure, and mischief, inspired by a characteristic animal of the Paraguayan Chaco: The Leopardus guttulus, or wildcat, commonly known as the tiríka. This small feline inhabits jungles, tropical and subtropical forests, ranging from sea level up to 4,500 meters in altitude.
Its distribution is limited to the central and eastern regions of the Neotropics in South America, covering countries such as Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. The tiríka is a solitary and nocturnal animal but also shows a significant amount of activity during the day.
There are three species of this feline: Leopardus geoffroyi (the species chosen for the Junior Pan American Games mascots), Leopardus guttulus, and Leopardus wiedii. Unfortunately, the latter two species are endangered due to illegal capture for the fur trade.
Road to ASU2025
With the unveiling of its Official Mascots, ASU2025 solidifies itself as an event that goes beyond sports. The countdown has begun, and each day brings us closer to the continent’s biggest youth sports gathering.
ASU2025 is already in motion. From August 9 to 23, more than 4,000 athletes from across the continent will compete in 28 sports and 42 disciplines. But before the official opening, we will feel the pulse of the Games month by month, unveiling key elements of this major sporting event.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, February 9, 2025. – In Sunday’s matchups of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Mets de Guaynabo ended the Cangrejeras’ three-game winning streak by defeating them in straight sets at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Valencianas and Atenienses battled in a thrilling five-set encounter at the Rafael G. Amabert Coliseum.
Guaynabo secured their victory over the Cangrejeras de Santurce with set scores of 25-22, 28-26, and 25-16.
The winners’ offensive effort was led by Rebecca Latham, who recorded 21 points, all from attacks. Valeria Flores and Legna Hernández also reached double figures, scoring 17 and 14 points, respectively.
For the Cangrejeras, Gina Prososki stood out with 14 points, followed by Andrea Rangel and Lindsay Stalzer, who both contributed 11 points.
Guaynabo claimed all three available points from the match, improving their record to 3-4 and accumulating 8 points, moving up to fourth place in the standings. Santurce, despite not earning any points, remains in third place with a 4-4 record and 12 points.
Guaynabo outperformed Santurce in attacks (56-38), digs (85-59), and assists (18-15). The Cangrejeras led in blocks (5-4) and receptions (36-30).
Juncos Prevails in Five-Set Thriller
The Valencianas de Juncos and the Atenienses de Manatí delivered an electrifying five-set battle, ensuring both teams earned points regardless of the outcome. Juncos emerged victorious 3-2 (25-16, 22-25, 23-25, 25-14, 15-9).
The decisive set was tied up to point 6, before Juncos gained the court switch at 8-6 following a Manatí attack error through the middle and a successful spike by Seliann Concepción from zone four.
Juncos claimed two points from the victory, improving their record to 2-6 and accumulating 6 points, tying for fifth place with the Changas de Naranjito. The team also snapped a three-match losing streak.
Meanwhile, Manatí added one point despite the loss, remaining in second place with a 6-3 record and 19 points.
For the Valencianas, Jaylen Hodge delivered a stellar performance with 34 points, 33 on attacks and one from a block. She was supported by Alexia Khuel (12), Kelly Sánchez (11), and Elissa Alcántara (10).
On the Manatí side, Dariana Hollingsworth led with 27 points, including 18 attacks, 7 blocks, and 2 aces. Chareika Carrión and Tristin Savage added 12 points each.
Juncos outperformed Manatí in attacks (72-49) and digs (106-81). However, Manatí had the advantage in blocks (17-11), aces (5-2), receptions (53-39), and assists (23-19).
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, February 7, 2025. – In Friday’s action in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Criollas de Caguas, Atenienses de Manatí, and Cangrejeras de Santurce emerged victorious, maintaining their positions in the league’s top three.
At the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas, the Criollas, after losing the first set, adjusted their strategy to defeat the Changas de Naranjito 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-21).
Caguas remain at the top of the standings with a 7-1 record and 21 accumulated points. Naranjito, unable to collect points from the loss, stays in fourth place with a 2-6 record and six points.
Caguas outperformed Naranjito in attacks (57-44) and receptions (53-38). Naranjito led in blocks (12-9), digs (87-81), and assists (25-2). Both teams registered three service aces.
Caguas’ offensive effort was led by Sofía Victoria, Kristin Lux, Diana Reyes, and Stephanie Enright, who contributed 17, 14, 12, and 11 points, respectively. For Naranjito, Adanna Rollins and Génesis Collazo each scored 17 points.
Manatí Earns Three Points Against Mets
The Atenienses de Manatí defended their home court at the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum, overcoming the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (25-27, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19).
Juliana Askew distributed her sets effectively among Dariana Hollingsworth, Tristin Savage, Ariana Pagan, and Chareika Carrión, ensuring all four reached double-digit scoring with 25, 13, 12, and 10 points, respectively. Askew recorded 24 assists, averaging six per set.
Rebecca Latham once again led the Mets’ offense with 17 points, while Valeria Flores and Legna Hernández contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Manatí secured all three available points to hold onto second place, improving to a 6-2 record with 18 accumulated points. Guaynabo failed to earn points and now holds a 2-4 record with five accumulated points, placing them fifth in the standings.
The Atenienses outperformed the Mets in attacks (52-44), blocks (16-11), digs (81-75), service aces (6-5), and assists (24-23). Guaynabo led in receptions (49-39).
Santurce Secures Third Consecutive Win
The Cangrejeras de Santurce defeated the Valencianas de Juncos on the road at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum with a 3-0 sweep (26-24, 25-23, 31-29).
This marked the third consecutive victory for the Cangrejeras, while Juncos suffered their sixth loss of the season in seven matches, three of them in a row. Santurce’s offense was led by Andrea Rangel, Helena Grozer, and Neira Ortiz, who scored 13, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
For Juncos, Jaelyn Hodge contributed 16 points, followed by Elissa Alcántara, Alexia Khuel, and Adriana Rodríguez, each with 10 points.
Santurce improved to a 4-3 record with 12 accumulated points, holding onto third place in the standings. Juncos remains in last place with a 1-6 record and four points. The Cangrejeras dominated in blocks (12-4) and digs (73-69).
The Valencianas had the advantage in attacks (51-38), service aces (6-3), receptions (41-33), and assists (20-15).
The Women’s Volleyball Superior League will take a break on Saturday and resume on Sunday, February 9, with two matches, both scheduled for 5:00 PM: Santurce vs. Guaynabo and Manatí vs. Juncos.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, February 6, 2025. – While the Cangrejeras de Santurce secured their third victory of the season in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum—their second consecutive win—the Criollas de Caguas defeated the Atenienses de Manatí for the second time this season at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, claiming sole possession of first place in the standings.
The Cangrejeras swept the Changas de Naranjito 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23), led by Helena Grozer with 18 points (13 attacks, 5 blocks). Andrea Rangel, Gina Prososki, and Neira Ortiz contributed 15, 13, and 12 points, respectively.
For Naranjito, Génesis Collazo and Adanna Rollins topped with 11 points each.
Santurce outperformed Naranjito in attacks (48-31), digs (77-72), and receptions (42-34). Meanwhile, Naranjito led in aces (5-2) and assists (26-13). Both teams recorded 11 successful blocks.
With the three points from this win, Santurce improved to a 3-3 record with 9 total points, securing third place in the standings.
Naranjito failed to add points and now sits in fourth place with a 2-5 record and 6 total points.
The series between the two teams is now tied at one win apiece.
Caguas Remains in the Lead
The Criollas de Caguas defended their home court at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, defeating the Atenienses de Manatí for the second time this season in four sets.
The scores were 25-9, 25-22, 23-25, and 26-24. After a dominant first set in which Caguas played flawlessly at the net and on defense, the remaining sets were highly intense and nerve-wracking.
In the first set, Caguas recorded 5 blocks and 25 digs.
In the second set, Manatí failed to hold onto an 18-14 lead, allowing Caguas to rally with an 8-4 run that tied the set at 22, thanks to effective sliding attacks from Diana Reyes. The Criollas’ surge continued as Reyes blocked Chareika Carrión for the 23rd point, Dariana Hollingsworth of Manatí committed an attacking error, and Stephanie Enright sealed the set with an ace.
Manatí fought back, withstanding a late push from Caguas to win the third set and extend the match.
In the fourth set, the Atenienses were unable to hold onto leads of 23-20 and 24-23, eventually falling in extra points. Paulina Pérez secured the victory for Caguas with consecutive plays—first blocking Carrión and then scoring off Manatí’s block.
Caguas’ top scorers were Stephanie Enright (17 points), Kristin Lux (14), and Sofía Victoriá (13).
For Manatí, which played without Karla Santos, Dariana Hollingsworth led with 24 points, followed by Chareika Carrión with 12 and Tristin Savage with 11.
Caguas outperformed Manatí in attacks (56-50), blocks (15-12), aces (3-2), and digs (86-80). Manatí had the edge in receptions (42-20) and assists (22-17).
With this win, Caguas improved to a 6-1 record with 18 points, while Manatí remains in second place with a 5-2 record and 15 total points.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, February 4, 2025. – In the only match scheduled at the start of the fourth week of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), held at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Mets de Guaynabo fought hard to defeat the Valencianas de Juncos 3-2 (25-17, 13-25, 25-16, 20-25, 15-10).
This was the first match of the season to extend to five sets.
With a 2-1 set advantage for the Mets, the Juncos team responded with solid net play and improved defensive performance. They led the technical timeout 16-11 with an attack from zone four by Gabby Gonzales. From that point on, they maintained control to push the match into a decisive tie-break.
In the fifth set, a direct service ace by Legna Hernández gave the Mets a 4-1 lead, and they switched sides ahead 8-3 after a failed attack into the antenna by Kelly Sánchez from zone four.
Guaynabo secured the victory by extending the lead to 12-6 with a strong attack off the Juncos block by Rebecca Latham. They reached match point at 14-7 following a service error by the visiting team and sealed the win 15-10 with another powerful attack from Latham from zone two.
The top scorers for the Mets de Guaynabo were Rebecca Latham with 32 points, including 27 kills, 4 blocks, and one ace. She was followed by Valeria Flores and Legna Hernández with 13 and 9 points, respectively.
For Juncos, Jaelyn Hodge led with 27 points, while Alexia Khuel and Elissa Alcántara contributed 10 and 9 points, respectively.
With the win, the Mets earned two points and improved their record to 2-3 with a total of 5 points. Juncos, despite the loss, gained one point and now stands at 1-5 with 4 points.
The Mets outperformed Juncos in blocks (11-6) and assists (27-19). Juncos, however, led in attacks (62-53), aces (3-2), digs (84-79), and receptions (45-34).
The match between the Valencianas de Juncos and the Atenienses de Manatí, originally scheduled for Sunday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, has been rescheduled to 5:00 p.m.
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, February 1, 2025. – The Atenienses, Cangrejeras, and Criollas wrapped up the third week of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) with victories.
The Atenienses de Manatí secured three points by defeating the Changas de Naranjito at the legendary Gelito Ortega court with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-20) victory on Saturday night.
Dariana Hollingsworth led the winning offense with 23 points, including 19 attacks and 4 blocks, followed by Tristin Savage and Chareika Carrión with 16 points each. On the other side, Naranjito’s top scorer was Genesis Collazo, who tallied 23 points, 20 in attacks and 3 in blocks.
The Atenienses now have a 5-1 record with 15 points, while the Changas de Naranjito stand at 2-4 with 6 points.
Manatí outperformed Naranjito in attacks 62-34, digs 75-59, and receptions 41-37. Both teams recorded 4 aces and 12 assists, while Naranjito had a slight edge in blocks 13-12.
In another match, The Cangrejeras de Santurce, led offensively by Mexico-born Andrea Rangel with 26 points, defeated the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20) in the first match of the Metropolitan Cup between the two teams.
Aside from Rangel’s double-digit performance, Santurce also had Gina Prososki, Neira Ortiz, and Helena Grozer with 21, 13 and 11 points respectively. Ortiz had an outstanding defensive night with 9 of the Cangrejeras’ 17 total blocks.
For the Mets de Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham led all scorers with 30 points, all from attacks. Valeria Flores followed with 13 points, while Alejandra Argüello added 11.
Santurce improved to a 2-3 record with 6 points, while Guaynabo remains at 1-3 with 3 points.
Statistically, Santurce led in attacks 56-55, blocks 17-11), and aces 6-4. Guaynabo, however, led in digs 101-75, receptions 42-41 and assists 26-11.
At the Rafael G. Amalbert court in Juncos, the Criollas de Caguas bounced back from an early setback to defeat the Valencianas de Juncos 3-1 (23-25, 26-24, 33-31, 25-23), earning three points.
With the match tied at one set apiece, the Valencianas missed their chance to close out the third set after leading 24-22. A misplay by Caguas’ Kristin Lux on an attack from Zone 2 sent the set into extra points. From there, both teams battled until 31-31, when Lux redeemed herself with a successful attack from Zone 2, followed by a failed attack from Jaylen Hodge, sealing the set for Caguas.
A similar scenario played out in the fourth set. Juncos led 23-20 after Hodge scored freely from Zone 2, seemingly pushing the match to a deciding fifth set. However, Caguas had other plans, mounting a 5-0 run capped off by consecutive blocks from middle blocker Alba Hernández to secure the win.
Caguas had four players in double digits, led by Sofía Victoria with 18 points (15 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace). She was followed by Alba Hernández, Kristin Lux and Stephanie Enright with 15, 14 and 13 points respectively.
Jaylen Hodge was the standout performer for the Valencianas de Juncos with 28 points.
Caguas had the advantage in blocks 13-11 and aces 6-3, while Juncos led in attacks 75-73, digs 91-88, receptions 54-30, and assists 25-21.
With this victory, Caguas now holds a 5-1 record with 15 points, tying Manatí for first place in the standings. Meanwhile, Juncos falls to 1-4 with 3 points.
LVSF action continues on Tuesday, February 4, with a single match as the Valencianas de Juncos visit the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum to face the Mets de Guaynabo at 8:00 PM.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, January 30, 2025.- In Thursday’s action of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League, the Valencianas de Juncos and the Mets de Guaynabo secured their first victory of the season while defending their home court.
At the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum, the Valencianas defeated the Changas de Naranjito with scores of 25-23, 25-19, and 25-18.
In the first set, the last tie occurred at 18-18. After that, a 6-0 run by the Valencianas took them to set point. Elissa Alcántara successfully attacked from zone 4, Adanna Rollins was blocked, and then Naomi Cabello capitalized on an overpass by the Changas. Two aces by Gabby Gonzales, along with another attack from Alcántara, secured the set for Juncos. The home team sealed the set at 25-19 with a key block on Aury Cruz.
In the second set, Juncos reached set point at 24-18 with Alexia Khuel attacking through the middle. They later withstood a late push from the Changas, closing the set with a block by Khuel on Cruz from Naranjito.
The third set was less competitive than the previous ones, also favoring Juncos.
With this victory, the Valencianas improve to 1-3 with 3 accumulated points, while Naranjito remains at 2-3 with 6 points, having failed to add to their tally.
Juncos outperformed Naranjito in blocks (10-5), aces (10-2), and digs (60-52). Meanwhile, the Changas had the edge in attacks (38-37), receptions (38-30), and assists (17-11).
For the Valencianas, the offensive standouts were Jaylen Hodge, Gabby Gonzales, and Adriana Rodríguez with 14, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
For the Changas, Adanna Rollins, Taylor Trammel, and Aury Cruz contributed 13, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Mets de Guaynabo End Criollas de Caguas’ Undefeated Streak
On a memorable night at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Mets de Guaynabo ended the Criollas de Caguas’ four-game winning streak with a dominant 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-21, 25-20), showcasing their superiority on the court.
Rebecca Latham led Guaynabo with an outstanding performance, scoring 22 points and guiding her team to their first win of the season. On the Criollas’ side, Kristin Lux and Stephanie Enright both reached double digits with 10 points each, but they couldn’t stop the Mets’ momentum.
With this victory, Guaynabo improves to 1-2 and adds 3 points in the standings. Meanwhile, Caguas, which failed to score any points, remains tied for first place with the Atenienses de Manatí, both holding a 4-1 record with 12 points.
The Women’s Superior Volleyball League action continues Saturday, February 1, with three matches:
MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, January 29, 2025. – In the only match on the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) schedule, the Atenienses de Manatí, last season’s runners-up, claimed victory in four sets (25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20) over the defending champions, Cangrejeras de Santurce, at the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum.
With the win, the Atenienses earned three points, improving their record to 4-1 and accumulating 12 points, tying for first place with the Criollas de Caguas, who also have 12 points and four wins but remain undefeated.
Santurce, which did not add any points, now holds a 1-3 record with three accumulated points, remaining in fourth place in the standings.
With the match tied at one set apiece, both teams entered the final stretch of the third set evenly matched. Manatí reached set point first at 24-23 with an ace from Juliana Askew.
After another tie, Manatí sealed the set 26-24 with two consecutive attacks, one from zone four and another through the middle.
Manatí secured the fourth set early, reaching the technical timeout with an 8-4 lead thanks to a block by Kjersti Strong on Andrea Rangel, who attacked from the back row.
For the remainder of the set, the runners-up displayed a highly organized and defensive game. They reached the second technical timeout with a 16-10 lead following a missed serve by the visitors.
The Atenienses arrived at set point with a comfortable 24-16 lead after a service error by Andrea Fuentes and sealed the victory at 25-20 following another service error by the Cangrejeras, this time from Helena Grozer.
The top scorers for the winning team were Karla Santos with 21 points, followed by Tristin Savage and Chareika Carrión with 16 points each, and Kjersti Strong with 15.
For Santurce, Andrea Rangel, Lindsay Stalzer, and Helena Grozer contributed 25, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
Manatí outperformed Santurce in attacks 63 to 45, digs 91 to 86, receptions 54 to 44, aces 5 to 3, and assists 35 to 23. Both teams finished with 11 successful blocks.
LVSF action continues Thursday, January 30, with two matches. The Changas de Naranjito will visit the Valencianas de Juncos at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, marking the home opener for the Valencianas at 8:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the undefeated Criollas de Caguas will travel to Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum to face the Mets de Guaynabo (0-2, 0 points) at 8:00 p.m.
January 27, 2025.- Volleyball Canada is excited to announce that Dan Lewis will be the senior men’s indoor team head coach.
Most recently Lewis was Canada’s Next Gen coach and is head coach of the professional team, Alterna Stade Poitevin, based in Poitiers, France.
Lewis is originally from Oakville, Ontario and a University of Manitoba graduate. He played professionally in Europe for many years and was a libero for the Canadian National Team until 2016.
He was an assistant coach for Canada’s Men’s National Team, including at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as Next Gen head coach. In 2023, he led Canada to a gold medal at the NORCECA Pan Am Cup and guided the men’s National Excellence Program (NEP), among other achievements.
“I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the athletes and staff involved with Team Canada,” said Lewis. “The international men’s game requires us to continue to grow and pursue execution at its highest level. I look forward to working with everyone towards this common goal.”
Lewis fills the role after the departure of head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo, who guided the team to a Paris 2024 Olympic berth and the quarterfinals of Volleyball Nations League in 2024.
Volleyball Canada men’s indoor high-performance director, Julien Boucher, said: “Dan has worked closely with many top coaches and has gained valuable international experience over the past several years since he retired as a player. He will be a great fit to assume this role and build on what Tuomas and former coach Glenn Hoag accomplished as the team prepares for the World Championships this year and works toward an LA 2028 berth.”
The senior men start the international competitive season in Quebec City at the Centre Videotron for week one of Volleyball Nations League 2025.
Lewis and his family live in the Gatineau, Quebec, area, where the team is based, and he splits his time between France and Canada.
NARANJITO,Puerto Rico, January 26, 2025. – On Sunday night in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), matches concluded in straight sets for the second consecutive evening.
At the legendary Gelito Ortega Court, the Changas de Naranjito returned to the winning path, defeating the Mets de Guaynabo with scores of 25-14, 25-14, and 25-23.
The winning offense was led by Adanna Rollins with 17 points, 15 from attacks and 2 from blocks. She was followed by Genesis Collazo with 15 points and Taylor Trammel with 12.
With the victory, Naranjito improves to 2-2 in this young season, accumulating 6 points, while the Mets de Guaynabo remain winless and no points after two matches.
In the third set, the Mets couldn’t capitalize on a slim 22-20 lead, which quickly disappeared after a 3-0 run by the Changas. The run included an overpass from the Mets that allowed Genesis Collazo to attack effectively against their block to take the lead.
The set saw one more tie before Naranjito blocked Legna Hernández to reach set point, prompting the Mets to call a timeout. On the subsequent play, the Changas secured the win with a powerful attack by Adanna Rollins from position four.
For Guaynabo, their offensive efforts were led by reinforcements Rebecca Latham and Savanna Kjolhede, who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Naranjito outperformed Guaynabo in attacks (40-30), blocks (13-11), aces (3-0), digs (62-59), and assists (21-14). Guaynabo led in receptions (32-23).
Adanna Rollins Changas
Atenienses Secure Back-to-Back Wins
The Atenienses de Manatí handed the Valencianas de Juncos their third loss of the season in as many outings, defeating them at the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum in Manatí with scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-18.
Manatí excelled in attacks (41-31), aces (6-0), digs (53-46), and assists (18-13). Juncos led in blocks (4-3) and receptions (36-29).
It was the second consecutive victory for the runner-up Atenienses, who now hold a 3-1 record with 9 points, placing them second in the standings.
The winning offense saw Dariana Hollingsworth and Karla Santos each score 14 points. For Juncos (0-3 and 0 points), Jaelyn Hodge contributed 11 points, all from attacks.
Criollas Stay Undefeated
The Criollas de Caguas delivered another outstanding performance in the blocking department, amassing 10 blocks to secure their fourth win of the season. They remain at the top of the standings after defeating the defending champion, Cangrejeras de Santurce, 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-16) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.
With the victory, Caguas has now won 9 consecutive sets after dropping the first set of their second match of the season.
Caguas dominated Santurce in attacks (40-27), blocks (10-4), aces (6-4), digs (72-57), and assists (17-12). Santurce led in receptions (38-20).
The Criollas’ offensive efforts were led by Kristin Lux, Alba Hernández, and Sofía Victoriá, who scored 13, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
For Santurce, no players reached double digits. The team remains with 3 accumulated points and a 1-2 record.
The Women’s Superior Volleyball League action resumes on Wednesday, January 29, when the Cangrejeras de Santurce visit the Atenienses de Manatí at the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum at 8:30 PM.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, January 24, 2025. – At the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Atenienses de Manatí returned to winning ways by spoiling the season opener for the Mets de Guaynabo. Meanwhile, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the Cangrejeras de Santurce swept the Valencianas de Juncos, and the Criollas de Caguas maintained their undefeated streak, overcoming the Changas de Naranjito at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
Atenienses Prevail Over Mets in a Close Match
The Atenienses edged the Mets in straight sets, 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23), with a balanced offensive effort. Dariana Hollingsworth led the charge with 20 points, including 16 kills, 3 blocks, and one ace. Karla Santos added 15 points to the winning tally.
For the Mets, the top scorers were Rebecca Latham with 16 points, Legna Hernández with 14, and Valeria Flores with 13.
Statistically, Manatí outperformed Guaynabo in digs 73-71, receptions(36-27, aces (5-1), and assists 25-15. The Mets led in attacks 45-44, while both teams recorded 6 blocks each.
The Atenienses now hold a 2-1 record with 6 points, placing them second in the standings. Guaynabo starts their campaign with a 0-1 record and no points.
Defending Champions Cangrejeras Start Strong at Clemente
The Cangrejeras de Santurce, led by Andrea Rangel with 18 points, Gina Prososki with 13, and Helena Grozer with 10, secured a 3-0 victory (26-24, 25-8, 25-20) over the Valencianas de Juncos at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey.
Juncos, now 0-2 with no points, saw Jaelyn Hodge lead their offense with 12 points.
Santurce improved to 1-1 with 3 points and outperformed Juncos in attacks 35-29, blocks 10-5, aces 7-5, and digs 49-44. Juncos led in receptions 20-16 and assists 18-13.
Criollas Stay Undefeated
The Criollas swept the Changas de Naranjito 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-13), dominating with 12 blocks to 4. They also led in attacks 47-20, aces(4-0, digs 75-46, and assists 22-16, earning their third consecutive win of the season.
Offensively, the Criollas were led by Kristin Lux with 19 points, while Alba Hernández and Stephanie Enright added 13 points each. Lux and Hernández contributed 4 blocks each out of the team’s total of 10.
Caguas now holds a 3-0 record with 9 points, leading the standings.
For the Changas, no player reached double digits. They hold a 1-2 record with 3 points.
The action of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League continues Sunday, January 26, with three matches:
Juncos vs. Manatí | 7:00 PM | Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz
Caguas vs. Santurce | 7:00 PM | Coliseo Roberto Clemente
Guaynabo vs. Naranjito | 7:00 PM | Coliseo Gelito Ortega
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, January 22, 2025.- In the only scheduled match of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) this Wednesday, the Changas de Naranjito triumphed on their opening night over the defending champion, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, in four sets (25-21, 25-17, 26-28, 26-24).
With the victory under the guidance of Jamille Torres, the former head coach of the Cangrejeras last season, the Changas secured all three points available from the match, reaching a record of 1-1 and three points. Meanwhile, Santurce sits at 0-1 with no points.
After winning the first two sets, the Cangrejeras pushed to their limit in the third set. Taking advantage of a misdirected back row attack from Naranjito and a successful spike down zone four, they extended the match to an additional set.
In the fourth set, when it seemed Santurce would force a tiebreaker by securing a 23-20 lead, Naranjito adjusted their serve strategy and scored four consecutive points to reach match point first.
The set saw another tie before Santurce committed a serving error, paving the way for American reinforcement Adana Rollins to seal the victory for Naranjito with a decisive attack through zone four.
The Changas had three players in double digits: Adana Rollins with 25 points (21 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces), Taylor Trammel with 12 points, and Genesis Collazo with 11 points.
For Santurce, Andrea Rangel and Helena Grozer led with 19 points each, followed by Neira Ortiz with 13 points and Gina Prososki with 10 points.
The Changas outperformed the Cangrejeras in aces (4-3) and assists (26-14). However, Santurce led in kills (56-53), blocks (10-8), digs (97-92), and receptions (49-46).
LVSF action continues this Friday, January 24, with three matches on the schedule:
Naranjito vs. Caguas | 8:00 PM | Coliseo Roger Mendoza
Juncos vs. San Juan | 8:00 PM | Coliseo Roberto Clemente
Manatí vs. Guaynabo | 8:00 PM | Coliseo Mario “Quijote” Morales
January 21, 2025.- Volleyball Canada is pleased to confirm that Giovanni Guidetti will assume the role of head coach of Canada’s women’s senior national team, effective at the beginning of the international season, while Shannon Winzer moves into high-performance director role.
“I always admired and respected the way Canada played volleyball and improved so much in the last years. The number eight in the world ranking is an amazing result and now a great starting point aiming at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. I believe Canada has top level international players and the young generations are very promising, so I am really excited to start this new journey,” said Guidetti.
Guidetti is arguably one of the most successful coaches in women’s volleyball.
Originally from Italy, Giovanni Guidetti has been the head coach of Turkish powerhouse Vakıfbank Spor Kulübü since 2008, transforming the club into one of the most dominant in women’s volleyball. Under his leadership, Vakıfbank has won multiple Turkish League titles, five FIVB Club World Championship golds, and five CEV Champions League titles, including a historic undefeated season.
Internationally, Guidetti most recently led the Serbian National Team to a seventh-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics in women’s indoor volleyball. Before that, he guided Türkiye’s women’s national team from 2017 to 2022, where he helped them qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals, and secured multiple podium finishes in European competitions.
Earlier in his career, Guidetti worked as assistant coach for the Italian National Team between 1997-2000 and participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Guidetti coached the Bulgarian team at the 2003 European Championship and the German national team for nearly a decade (2006–2015), earning a World Grand Prix bronze medal, two EuroVolley silver medals, and both gold and silver in the CEV European League. He then took over the Netherlands national team (2015–2017), leading them to a World Grand Prix bronze, a EuroVolley silver, and a fourth-place finish at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“We’re excited to welcome Giovanni Guidetti as the head coach of our women’s senior national team. Giovanni’s extensive experience and success at the highest levels will be instrumental as we build towards LA 2028. This is an exciting time for Canadian women’s volleyball, and we’re eager to see his impact on the program,” said Shannon Winzer, Volleyball Canada’s new women’s indoor High Performance Director.
The Canadian women’s team will begin their season in June in Ottawa, Ontario, in the first week of Volleyball Nations League.
Guidetti takes over the head coach position from Winzer, who led the team to its highest-ever world ranking of eighth and its most successful finishes at the Volleyball Nations League and World Championships in recent history. Under her leadership, the program achieved historic milestones, narrowly missing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Kerry MacDonald, Volleyball Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, said: “Shannon Winzer has been a transformative leader for our women’s indoor volleyball program. Under her guidance, the senior national team has seen remarkable growth, but her impact extends far beyond the senior level. Shannon has driven the establishment of a robust development system, ensuring a clear pathway for athletes to reach the highest levels of competition. It’s incredibly exciting to now have her in the role of High Performance Director, where she can continue to shape and strengthen our high-performance pathway for the women’s national team program as we build towards future Olympic success.”
January 21, 2025.- Canadian Volleyball is rewriting its story, with the women’s squad rising as a force in world volleyball, driven by an FIVB Empowerment initiative that has elevated excellence at every level.
The resurgence of the women’s team began in earnest in 2021 when the targeted Empowerment initiative focused on identifying and nurturing young talent through a structured pathway. This effort culminated in the Next Gen program, designed to seamlessly transition emerging talents into the senior national team framework.
Under the leadership of head coach Shannon Winzer, the women’s team began to reach unprecedented milestones. In 2022, they secured their highest-ever finish at the Volleyball Nations League, placing 12th, and went on to achieve a Top 10 finish at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. These results were driven by standout performances from players such as Alexa Gray, Kiera Van Ryk and Brie King.
Each player brings a unique story of development and achievement. Alexa Gray, known for her powerful attacks and strategic gameplay, has become a symbol of the team’s aggressive style.
Kiera Van Ryk’s serve, one of the most feared in the international circuit, has turned games in Canada’s favor multiple times, underscoring the technical competence the Empowerment program has cultivated.
Brie King, as the setter, orchestrates the play with a calm precision that has matured significantly under the program’s tutelage.
The momentum was sustained into 2023, proving their consistency at the elite level. The ongoing success has not only solidified Canada’s reputation as an emerging powerhouse in international volleyball but it also inspired a wave of young athletes looking to follow in the footsteps of their current stars.
The women’s volleyball team’s latest achievements are complemented by the accomplishments in beach volleyball, highlighted by Melissa Humana Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson winning a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This monumental success underscored the depth of Canada’s talent in other disciplines and its ability to achieve on the world’s biggest stages.
The men’s volleyball and beach volleyball programs of Canada have also proven that they can compete with the best in the world.
The Empowerment program’s influence on this initiative for the women’s team has been extended as it has unified the volleyball and beach volleyball disciplines under a single framework of success, demonstrating how a strategic and holistic approach can elevate an entire sport. This unified vision has allowed Canada to develop a robust pipeline of talent, ensuring sustained growth and success in the years to come.
MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, January 19, 2025. – In the only scheduled match of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Criollas de Caguas defeated the runner-up Atenienses de Manatí at the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum, 3-1 (18-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-18).
It was the second win of the season for the team coached by Juan C. Núñez. The Criollas secured all three points from the match, improving to a 2-0 record with 6 points, placing them alone at the top of the standings in this early phase of the season.
The Atenienses, who failed to earn any points, now hold a 1-1 record with 3 points.
In the first set, Manatí dominated at the net and delivered strong serves, securing the set with a block and a strong-willed attack from Ivania Ortiz in zone two, winning 25-18.
Caguas rebounded in the second set. When it seemed like Manatí would seal the set with a 23-20 lead following a block on Stephanie Enright, the visitors rallied for three consecutive points, including a direct service ace by Alba Hernández, tying the set.
Manatí reached set point at 24-23, but the Criollas responded with three straight points to claim the set. Ariana Pagán’s service error, a block on Karla Santos, and her subsequent attack error in zone four gave Caguas the set.
The third set was a tight battle, with the last tie at 22. The Criollas clinched the set point with an attack by Diana Reyes and a block by Alba Hernández on Tristin Savage. They closed the set 25-23 with Sofía Victoriá breaking through the block with an attack in zone two.
Caguas gained momentum in the fourth set, creating a 16-9 lead following a service error by Karla Santos and a back-row attack by Sofía Victoriá that they never hand over.
The Atenienses came as close as 16-18 after a successful block, but Caguas reached set point at 24-17 with a block by Sofía Victoriá, sealing the victory at 25-18 with another attack from Victoriá.
The LVSF action continues on Wednesday, January 22, with two matches: Cangrejeras de Santurce visiting Changas de Naranjito at 8:00 PM at the Gelito Ortega, and Juncos hosting Guaynabo at 8:30 PM.
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 de Caguas
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.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, January 10, 2025.– In a successful press conference held this Friday, January 10, at the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee, the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation (FPV), represented by its president, Dr. Cesar Trabanco, unveiled the exciting details of the 2025 season of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF).
The head table featured Dr. Cesar Trabanco, FPV Secretary Gerardo Negrón, Tournament Director José Servera, Esq., and COPUR President Sara Rosario.
Dr. Cesar Trabanco opened the event by stating: “Undoubtedly, we know the tournament’s quality will be excellent. We are coming off an exceptional men’s tournament, and we expect the women’s tournament to be just as good or even better. We have international players from various countries, not just the United States, with some returning and others making their debut. We are competing with other leagues, but it doesn’t matter, I trust our own. The competition will be healthy and geared toward growth. We will see young talent rising from the first and second generations. We are back on Channel 6 WIPR. Each team will broadcast two games during the regular series, while the Cangrejeras de Santurce will have additional broadcasts for their games”.
This season, the Pinkin de Corozal team will not participate. However, as Tournament Director José Servera highlighted, their players will strengthen other teams.
The participating teams for the 2025 season are, Cangrejeras de Santurce (defending champions); Atenienses de Manatí (2024 runners-up); Valencianas de Juncos; Criollas de Caguas; Changas de Naranjito and Mets de Guaynabo.
Tribute to Pilar Marie Victoriá López
The 2025 season will be dedicated posthumously to Pilar Marie Victoriá López in honor of her brilliant volleyball career. From an early age, Pilar Marie devoted herself with passion and dedication to the sport, establishing herself as one of the most outstanding players of Puerto Rico’s National Team. Her legacy and contributions to Puerto Rican volleyball will always remain in our hearts and be remembered with admiration.
The tribute provided by Pilar’s family highlighted her exceptional abilities as a player and her impact as an extraordinary human being who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
“In Puerto Rico, Pilar Marie excelled with the Criollas de Caguas, one of the island’s most iconic teams, and proudly represented her country in numerous international competitions, including the 2018 Barranquilla Central American Games, the 2019 Pan American Cup in Peru, the 2022 Women’s Volleyball World Championship in the Netherlands and Poland, and the 2023 Pan American Games in San Salvador.
In every tournament, her dedication, joy, and competitive spirit elevated her team and made Puerto Rico proud. She embodied the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and love for life, reminding us that true triumph lies not only in victory but in the impact we leave on others. Her legacy is not just that of an extraordinary athlete but of a person whose light will continue to inspire young volleyball players to dream, strive, and achieve their goals both on and off the court”.
Pilar Marie’s number will be retired, and all teams will honor her by wearing the number 21 on their uniforms, the number she wore in the LVSF.
Her parents, Pilar López and Luis Victoriá, along with her sister Sofía, expressed their gratitude for the recognition of Pilar Marie. They thanked the FPV and the volleyball community for the tribute, sharing their pride and emotion for the season’s dedication to their daughter.
Expectations for the Season
Each team, represented by its coach and captain, shared their expectations and goals for the 2025 season. The teams emphasized the competitiveness and sportsmanship that characterize the LVSF, promising a season filled with excitement and unforgettable moments.
Calendar Details: 2 back-to-back matches; 4 rounds; 5 matches per round per team; 20 total matches per team; 10 home games and 10 away games per team; 60 total games in the regular series.
The 2025 Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) season will officially begin on Friday, January 17.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, January 6, 2025.- USA Volleyball is proud to announce the appointment of Erik Sullivan as the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sullivan, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience at the women’s collegiate level, succeeds Karch Kiraly, who led the team to three Olympic medals and a World Championship title. Sullivan takes the reins at a critical time, with the first serve for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League season set to begin on June 4 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The search for the new head coach began with a clear sense of urgency. “With the Women’s National Team season set to begin in less than six months, we knew we had to move quickly but thoughtfully,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “It was critical that we made the right decision, but we also had to act expeditiously to give the new coach enough time to get to know the team, develop a game plan, and integrate seamlessly into the program.”
As part of the hiring process, USA Volleyball prioritized candidates with the unique skillset required to lead at the international level. “The role of National Team head coach is unlike any other coaching position,” Speraw said. “It’s not about recruiting or fundraising—it’s about elite-level strategy, understanding the nuances of international competition, and managing a high-performance environment. We needed someone who could hit the ground running and bring that specific expertise, and Erik was the clear choice.”
Sullivan’s reputation as a master of defensive systems, his ability to develop top-tier talent, and his experience in high-pressure environments made him the ideal candidate to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team. For the past 14 years, he has served as associate head coach at the University of Texas, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Longhorns to eight NCAA Final Four appearances and three national titles.
“We were also focused on how well the new coach would align with the team’s established dynamics,” Speraw added. “The U.S. Women’s National Team is a close-knit group with a history of collaboration and success. Cultural fit was a non-negotiable factor for us. We needed a coach who could integrate seamlessly into this dynamic and continue to build on the team’s established culture of excellence, and Erik’s coaching philosophy and values align perfectly with that.”
Sullivan brings more than just a proven track record in collegiate volleyball—he has firsthand experience on the international stage. A two-time Olympian, Sullivan represented the U.S. as a libero in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. His international playing career, which also included stints in professional leagues across Europe and the U.S., has given him a deep understanding of the global volleyball landscape and the demands of international competition.
“I’m honored and excited to take on this new responsibility as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said Sullivan. “Karch Kiraly has left an incredible legacy, and I’m committed to continuing the work he has done with this amazing team. My goal is to build on a strong foundation and create an environment where our athletes can develop to their fullest potential while competing at the highest level. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of athletes as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Sullivan served as the team leader for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the last three Olympic Games and has been a consultant coach for the squad for many years. He’s also part of the National Team Development Program Scouting Network for indoor girls. In 2011, he led the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship. His collegiate coaching experience also includes time as an assistant coach at both Nebraska and Colorado.
“I’m thrilled that Erik Sullivan will be the next head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said two-time Olympian Chiaka Ogbogu. “The team will continue its tradition of being led by a world-class coach, and Erik’s experience as an Olympian will be invaluable. The volleyball knowledge I gained from him continues to shape my game, but the leadership lessons he taught me—about upholding a gold-medal standard—are what I’m most grateful for.”
Sullivan will assume the role in preparation for the upcoming international season, with a primary focus on building toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will work closely with the team and the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and continued success on the international stage.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, December 23, 2024.- With the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) set to begin its 2025 season on January 17, the league’s teams are strengthening their rosters and adjusting their strategies for the competition. From international signings to the hiring of renowned coaches, the LVSF promises a season full of excitement and a high level of play.
Cangrejeras de Santurce: Defending Champions
The defending champions, Cangrejeras de Santurce, have announced the addition of outstanding American attacker Lindsay Stalzer and the return of star player Helena Grozer. Grozer, who played last tournament under the name Helena Havelková, was a key player for the Cangrejeras’ 2024 championship. During last season, she performed impressively with 297 attacks for points, 51 blocks, 365 passes, 264 defenses and 19 aces.
Stalzer, known for her power and versatility on offense, will bring experience and offensive strength to the team. She has played for several teams outside of Puerto Rico, including:
San Diego Mojo (United States) during the 2023-2024 season
Athletes Unlimited Pro League (United States) for the 2023-2024 season
Apollon Limassol (Cyprus) for the 2022-2023 season
F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (Philippines) for the season 2022-2023
Jakarta BNI46 (Indonesia) in the 2018-2019 season
Petron Blaze Spikers (Philippines) in the 2016-2017 season
Cignal HD Spikers (Philippines) in the 2013-2014 season
Lindsay Stalzer has had a very active international career, playing in various leagues around the world.
In addition, the Cangrejeras have named experienced Spanish coach Pascual Saurín as their new head coach. Saurín brings with him a vast experience of coaching teams in Europe, promising to implement new strategies and tactical approaches to maintain the team’s dominance in the league.
Atenienses de Manatí (Runner-Up): Talent and Promising Youth
The runners-up, Atenienses de Manatí, have signed talented American middle blocker Kjersti Strong. With her impressive height and blocking ability, Strong will be a formidable addition to the team’s defense. During her senior season at Saint Mary’s College in 2023, she was the team’s offensive and defensive leader, racking up 308 attack points and 161 blocks, averaging 1.50 blocks per set.
This is effectively her first experience as a professional player.
Criollas de Caguas: Strengthening the Offense
Criollas de Caguas, one of the most competitive teams in the league, have strengthened their attack with the signing of American attacker Kristin Lux. Lux, known for her consistency and offensive ability, is expected to bring her experience and energy to the team. The Criollas’ management has expressed their enthusiasm for the addition of Lux, confident that her presence will elevate the level of play and help them achieve their goals for the season.
Juncos Valencianas: New Talents and University Promises
Among other notable signings, the Juncos Valencianas are enriched by the arrival of promising college players such as Jaelyn Hodge and Alexia Kuehl. Hodge, coming from the University of Arizona, and Kuehl, from the University of Colorado and Central Florida, are ready to show their talent at the professional level.
Jaelyn Hodge played in 31 matches during her final season at the University of Arizona (2023), leading the team with 309 points and 2.73 points per set. Hodge plays as an outside hitter.
Alexia Kuehl played at the University of Colorado and most recently at the University of Central Florida. In her final season (2024), she excelled in blocking and attacking. Kuehl, a middle blocker, is known for her blocking ability and dominant presence at the net.
Naranjito Changas re-sign Rollins
Changas de Naranjito have reinforced their team with the addition of American Adanna Rollins, who was the second highest scorer in the tournament last year with 416 points (367 attacks, 42 blocks, 7 serves) in 96 sets, averaging 4.33 points per set.
Guaynabo Mets with new coach
The Guaynabo Mets announced in their networks the hiring of María Clara Carvalhaes and Rebecca Latham.
Maria Clara Carvalhaes, born September 28, 2003, is a Brazilian volleyball player who currently plays as a setter for Osasco Volleyball Clube in Brazil. She is known for her precision and speed in the game, and her dynamic and strategic style makes her a key player for her team.
Rebecca Latham, born June 23, 1997, is an American volleyball player who currently plays as an opposite hitter in the Athletes Unlimited Pro League in the United States. Latham is known for her power and versatility, excelling both on the attack and in the front court.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, December 19, 2024. – The Changas de Naranjito roster for the upcoming Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) season, which begins Friday, January 17, features a deep lineup filled with experience and a group of players who play the game the right way. This creates a culture of responsibility and mutual respect.
Jamille Torres Rosario, returning to his hometown to coach women’s volleyball, shared: “When we talk about experience, everyone thinks of Aury. Having her back is essential for us because, in addition to the experience and seriousness she brings to the game, she provides control, something we lacked last year. But aside from this great veteran, we have players like Génesis Castillo, Jennymar Santiago, and Stephanie ‘Bebi’ Salas, who also bring emotional stability. This year, we’ll have Génesis Collazo from the start of the season, one of the best opposite hitters on the team. Young talent can’t be overlooked either; we have promising players like Kiaraliz Pérez and Andrea Serra, who had a great season last year, and we hope she can improve even more this year.”
Torres Rosario, who previously led the Changas in 2021, has been focusing these past weeks on the physical and technical aspects of the players to ensure they’re ready for the next phase of preparation. Along with the coaching staff, they’ve also been working on finalizing the official team roster.
Jamille Torres
Proud to Return Home
How did your return to lead the Changas in your hometown come about, and how does it feel? “Well, Hec Rivera and I have been friends for years and have worked together at the BMA for a long time. When we were approached about managing the team, he asked me if we should do it together, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Coaching in Naranjito is special; you feel that unique love from the people who have watched you grow. Coaching for my hometown is always a big deal. I was a fan, just like the people of my town, and I know the great responsibility that comes with wearing a jersey that represents volleyball in NARANJITO.”
Rollins Returns to the Changas
For this season, Naranjito has already signed its first of three reinforcements: American Adanna Rollins. Regarding this, Jamille elaborated: “I think the fact that teams will have three reinforcements raises the league’s level significantly since any team strengthens with these additions, making it a highly competitive tournament. We’ve already signed Adanna Rollins, who was a champion with the Pinkin and last year’s second-highest scorer in the tournament. We hope she can repeat that performance. We’ve also signed a high-level setter with NCAA experience, who we’ll announce in the coming days. We’re recruiting a middle blocker as our third reinforcement. For us, it’s crucial to make the right choices with our reinforcements to achieve success. This evaluation will be done carefully because it could be the key to our success.”
Currently, the Changas practice on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. With the Christmas holidays approaching, changes to the schedule are expected. On holidays, practices will be held earlier. Regarding this plan, Torres concluded: “When you look at the calendar, you think there are three or four weeks left until the season starts, but when you have the holidays, we’re just around the corner from the start of the season.”
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, December 17, 2024.- USA Volleyball is embarking on an exciting new chapter as legendary coach and three-time Olympic gold medalist Karch Kiraly announces two key additions to the U.S. Men’s National Team coaching staff. Luka Slabe and Javier Weber will join Kiraly in his quest for Olympic success at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
The announcement comes just ahead of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention, where both Kiraly and Slabe will lead educational sessions for coaches and volleyball professionals.
“We are fortunate to have these two good men and great coaches join our program,” Kiraly said. “My mission is to help this team play this game better than it has ever played it before. Both Luka and Javi embody that pursuit of excellence—through their passion, expertise, drive to help others, and strong work ethic. They will be indispensable as we aim to set new standards on the road to LA28.”
Luka Slabe: A Return to USA Volleyball
Slabe, who returns to USA Volleyball after five successful years as head coach of the NC State women’s volleyball team, previously worked with Kiraly as an assistant coach on the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2018-2021. There, he played an integral role in the team’s historic achievements, including three consecutive Volleyball Nations League titles and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal—the first in U.S. women’s volleyball history.
During his tenure at NC State, Slabe led the Wolfpack to a 78-55 overall record and a 50-39 record in ACC play.
“Luka’s coaching prowess and passion were key to our staff’s success in securing the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the U.S. Women’s Team,” Kiraly said. “When I think about the people I’d want on our side in battle, there’s nobody better. His experience at the highest level, combined with his time as head coach of a European men’s national team, will be invaluable in our pursuit of mastery.”
A native of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Slabe played as an outside hitter for BYU from 2000-03, contributing to the Cougars’ 2001 NCAA Division I-II Men’s National Collegiate Championship title. After graduating, he played professionally in Europe before transitioning to coaching in 2008. From 2008-15, Slabe coached four different European men’s pro teams and spent two years as head coach of the Slovenian men’s national team. He also served as an assistant coach with the BYU men’s volleyball team from 2015-18.
“I am thrilled to be back with Karch and USA Volleyball,” Slabe said. “My family and I have incredible memories from our journey with the Women’s National Team and the Tokyo Olympics. I am ready and excited to conquer all the challenges ahead of our Men’s National Team, leading to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.”
Javier Weber: Continuing His Legacy with U.S. Men’s National Team
Weber, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, returns for his fourth season with the U.S. Men’s National Team after joining in 2022 under head coach John Speraw. During Weber’s time with the team, the U.S. Men earned two silver medals in the Volleyball Nations League and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A former Olympic medalist and setter for Argentina, Weber represented his country in three Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in 1988. His distinguished playing career also included five World Championships, as well as successful stints in professional leagues in Argentina and Italy.
“Javi has earned exceptional praise from players and staff alike for the huge impact he’s had on the men’s program since joining in 2022,” Kiraly said. “In the past few months, I’ve gotten to know much more about Javi and his innovative volleyball concepts – the more I learn, the more I like and respect. It was imperative to secure his involvement for another Olympic cycle.”
With extensive professional coaching experience, Weber began his coaching career in 2002 with Brazilian club Unisul. He has since coached several teams internationally, including Indykpol AZS Olsztyn in Poland, Panathinaikos Athens in Greece, Bolívar Voley in Argentina, and Dynamo Krasnodar in Russia. He served as head coach of the Argentine men’s national team from 2009-13 and is currently the head coach of the JT Thunders Hiroshima in Japan.
“It’s a great honor to continue as coach in this incredible family that is USAV,” Weber said. “I am very excited to work with Karch in this huge challenge that is Los Angeles 2028. All together everything is possible. Let’s go, USA!”
The Road to LA28
The U.S. Men’s National Team will kick off the 2025 season in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 11-15 for the first round of the Volleyball Nations League. Under the leadership of Kiraly, Slabe and Weber, the team will continue its pursuit of excellence on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
December 17, 2024.- The first matchups of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, the highlight of next year’s international calendar, were determined on Friday in Bangkok, when the Drawing of Lots for the event was held.
The 32 qualified teams that will compete in Thailand from August 22 to September 7 were split into eight pools of four for the start of the tournament:
Pool A: Thailand, Netherlands, Sweden, Egypt in Bangkok Pool B: Italy, Belgium, Cuba, Slovakia in Phuket Pool C: Brazil, Puerto Rico, France, Greece in Chiang Mai Pool D: USA, Czechia, Argentina, Slovenia in Nakhon Ratchasima Pool E: Türkiye, Canada, Bulgaria, Spain in Nakhon Ratchasima Pool F: China, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico in Chiang Mai Pool G: Poland, Germany, Kenya, Vietnam in Phuket Pool H: Japan, Serbia, Ukraine, Cameroon in Bangkok
Having Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chiang Mai as the host cities, pool play will determine the 16 national teams that will advance to the knockout rounds – the top two sides in each pool move forward. Starting in the Round of 16, the single-elimination phases will all be held in Bangkok.
The 2025 World Championship will be the first in the ‘new era’ of the tournament. Starting in this edition, the tournament will be held biannually and will have an expanded field, featuring 32 national teams per gender.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 15, 2024. – On the fifth and final day of competition, Costa Rica defeated Nicaragua 3-1 (25-15, 21-25, 25-15, 26-24) to claim the title as undefeated champions in the inaugural Central American “Invitational” U15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship, held at the Volleyball Gymnasium of the Nicaraguan Sports Institute (IND).
Costa Rica finished the event with a perfect 5-0 record, Belize secured second place with a 4-1 record, and El Salvador took third place with a 3-2 record.
Guatemala finished in fourth place with a 1-4 record, while Honduras closed the competition in fifth place without any victories in five matches.
Costa Rica
In other matches played on the final day, Belize defeated Guatemala 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-20) and El Salvador 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-12).
During the awards ceremony, the following individual recognitions were presented:
Sofía Quesada of Costa Rica, MVP and Second Best Spiker
Kelliany Rodriguez of Costa Rica, Best Setter
Emaun Marin of Belice, First Best Spiker and Best Scorer
Charlotte Martínez of Costa Rica, First Best Blocker
Gabriela Salter of Nicaragua, Second Best Blocker
Adriana Vargas of El Salvador, Best Opposite
Kimberly Silva of Nicaragua, Best Digger and Best Libero
Jamielee Espejo of Belice, Best Service and Best Receiver
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 14, 2024.- Costa Rica triumphed in a hard-fought battle against Belize, winning 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-23) to move within reach of the championship at the inaugural U15 Central American “Invitational” Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the Volleyball Gymnasium of the Nicaraguan Sports Institute (IND).
With this victory, Costa Rica secured its fourth consecutive win, having previously defeated Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Costa Rica are now preparing to conclude their participation in grand style, taking on hosts Nicaragua this Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
In another intense match, El Salvador overcame Guatemala 3-1 (25-9, 25-23, 21-25, 25-10) to stay in contention for a medal. This marked El Salvador’s third victory, along with one loss. El Salvador has defeated Nicaragua and Guatemala but fell to Costa Rica.
Nicaragua also delivered a standout performance, remaining in the hunt for a podium finish after defeating Honduras 3-0 (25-9, 25-17, 25-14).
The final day of competition features a pending match between Guatemala and Belize at 8:00 a.m. Additionally, Belize will face El Salvador at 2:00 p.m., and Guatemala will take on Honduras at 4:00 p.m.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 14, 2024.- Panama’s opposite hitter Víctor Pérez was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship, the final official tournament of 2024 in the region.
Pérez was one of the tournament’s top scorers, finishing with 26 points in the championship match against Guatemala. He led Panama to a historic title, breaking a nearly 40-year drought after falling short in the finals in 1986 and 1996, where they earned silver medals.
The best players
The Panamanian standout Víctor Pérez was also the tournament’s Top Scorer and the Second Best Spiker.
Guatemala’s players also excelled, with Santiago Mena earning the Best Server award, Josué González recognized as the Best Receiver, and Christian Álvarez as the Second Best Blocker.
From Belize, Lawrence Mahler was named the Best Setter, while Orion Butler claimed the award for Best Blocker. David Garbutt was recognized as the Best Digger and Best Libero.
Nicaragua’s Devin Hooker received the award for Best Opposite, while Costa Rica’s Ignacio Morales was named the Best Spiker.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 14, 2024.- Panama overcame a tough challenge, battling through a dramatic five-set match to defeat Guatemala 3-2 (13-25, 25-19, 32-30, 14-25, 15-10), and claim an undefeated championship title in the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
With this victory, Panama stamped its name as champions in the category for the first time. Previously, Panama had earned two silver medals in 1986 and 1996, and two bronze medals in 2009 and 2017.
Second Place
The top three places of the tournament were confirmed with Panama finishing at the top with a perfect 6-0 record. Costa Rica took second place with a 5-1 record, while Guatemala secured third with a 4-2 finish.
Panama had to dig deep and remain composed against a formidable Guatemalan team that led in blocking, earning 22 points to Panama’s 9.
Despite this, Panama was more effective in attack points 49-45 and service points 11-7, though they gave away 35 unforced errors compared to Guatemala’s 30.
Third place
Victor Pérez led Panama’s offense with an impressive 26 points, supported by Víctor Araúz with 17. For Guatemala, Omar Mendoza and Christian Álvarez each scored 16 points.
After securing the championship, Panama’s head coach Horacio Angulo said: “We knew it would be a tough match against Guatemala, but we made the necessary adjustments and secured the title. Guatemala gave us a hard time in the first set, but the team stayed calm and focused”.
Meanwhile, Guatemala’s head coach Luis Castañeda reflected: “We never give up on a match. Guatemala is known for its fighting spirit and determination, regardless of the opponent. We leave with a sense of pride; things didn’t go as we hoped, but third place is still a good result”.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 14, 2024.- El Salvador triumphed in a hard-fought battle against Nicaragua, winning 3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 16-25, 25-22, 21-19) to claim fourth place in the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
This match marked the conclusion of the tournament, with El Salvador finishing in fourth place with a 3-3 win-loss record, while Nicaragua settled for fifth with a 2-4 record.
El Salvador maintained composure during crucial moments, leveraging their offensive edge to outscore Nicaragua 66-55 in attacks and leading slightly in blocks, 11-10.
Rafael Vargas ESA
Nicaragua failed to capitalize on the 38 unforced errors committed by El Salvador, while committing only 22 themselves.
Rafael Vargas led El Salvador’s offense with an impressive 38 points, supported by Lorenzo Sánchez with 11. For Nicaragua, Devin Hooker stood out with 20 points.
After the match, Rafael Vargas, captain of El Salvador, shared: “For us, this experience helps us improve. We wanted to be on the podium, but it wasn’t possible. We managed to win a very tough match against Nicaragua, and the key to victory was our focus, we never lost concentration throughout the game. Above all, we thank God for being with us”.
On the other side, Félix Palacios, captain of Nicaragua, reflected: “We gave our best on the court. Overall, we made too many mistakes and couldn’t secure crucial sets. We got confused at times, but these things happen. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and keep training to do better next time”.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 14, 2024.- Belize wrapped up the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22) victory over El Salvador in the opening match of the event’s final day.
With this result, Belize secured sixth place with a 1-5 win-loss record, while Honduras finished in seventh place without a single victory in the tournament.
Securing the win wasn’t easy for Belize, as they had a shaky start with Honduras showing greater effectiveness early on. However, Belize made the necessary adjustments and, thanks to improved blocking, managed to neutralize their opponent’s momentum.
In the end, Belize led in attack points 54-39 and blocking 15-7. They committed 39 unforced errors compared to Honduras’ 22, while Honduras had the advantage in service points 6-4.
For Belize, Hayden Requena stood out with 19 points in attack, while Nelson Valladares led Honduras with 13 points.
After the victory, Belize’s head coach Yamill Herrera said: “It was a very challenging tournament for us, as we couldn’t find a way to win until the final match. Against Honduras, we delivered a stable performance. Our tactical serving worked well with our blocking, and that was the key to our success in the match”.
Meanwhile, Honduras head coach Carlos Funez reflected: “We have to keep working hard. At times, the players looked good during matches, but then their performance dropped. The mental aspect greatly affected our decision-making in key moments. We need to continue working hard for future events.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 13, 2024. – Panama defeated El Salvador 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-17) and is just one step away from securing the title at the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship, achieving their fifth consecutive win in the tournament.
Panama holds a 5-0 win-loss record with 23 points, placing them in second position. To clinch the championship, they must prevail in their final match against Guatemala on the seventh and final day of the tournament.
Currently, Costa Rica leads the standings with a 5-1 record and 25 points, while Guatemala sits in third place with a 4-1 record and 19 points.
In their match against El Salvador, Panama faced little resistance on their way to victory, outperforming their opponent in attack points 30-29, in blocks 8-4, and service aces 5-0. They also committed fewer unforced errors, conceding 15 points compared to El Salvador’s 32.
Panama’s best attacker was Víctor Pérez, who scored 14 points, while Víctor Araúz contributed 10. For El Salvador, Rafael Vargas finished with 10 points.
Reflecting on the win, Panama’s head coach, Horacio Angulo, said: “In our final match, we’ll face a very experienced team like Guatemala. It won’t be an easy game, but we’ll stick to what has worked for us so far. We knew El Salvador would try to complicate things in the first set, every team has tried to do that, but we made the necessary adjustments in some positions, and it worked.”
El Salvador’s head coach, Guillermo Polanco, commented: “We had a very poor performance in serving and receiving. That said, in this match, we gave an opportunity to a couple of very young players, and they performed quite well. Now we’ll fight for fourth place, and we’ll do it with dignity to secure that position.”
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, December 13, 2024. – The Guaynabo Mets of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), led by Fernando Morales, have set clear goals, particularly to improve their performance as a team compared to the last two seasons.
Morales, making his debut as a coach in the women’s league, was chosen to lead the metropolitan team due to his close friendship with the team’s owners. “Last year, as the new owners, I knew them, they’re family friends, and I’ve known them since I was a kid, so I helped out from the sidelines. This year, I was already planning to transition into professional coaching, and they approached me, so I accepted,” Morales explained.
Rebecca Latham (Becca) and Fernando Morales
First Tasks and Goals
The first task for Fernando and his assistant, Jesús Echevarría, was to build a roster of reserves. “When we took over the team this year, we barely had any reserves. Three of our reserves were out: Valeria León, Stephanie Rivera, and Nayka Benítez. That’s why, during the draft, we traded one player and two picks to acquire three players. We’re making changes, and we brought in Valeria Flores to add another reserve. That was our first job. Now, we’re building a team. Our goal is to reach the semifinals. This team has finished last in the past two years, but we believe that with the reinforcements we’ve signed and those joining us later, we can compete to reach the top four,” said Morales.
The Mets Sign Their First Reinforcement
Rebecca Latham (Becca) arrived on the island Thursday as the Mets’ first of three reinforcements. Latham is a 6’2” opposite hitter with experience in leagues in Greece, Italy, the United States, and South Korea.
In addition to Latham, the Mets expect their other two reinforcements in the coming weeks, a middle blocker and a setter.
Native Roster
Guaynabo’s native roster for the upcoming season, which begins in January, includes Bárbara López, Norian Ceballos, Legna Hernández, Jaylibeth García, Jenselyn Morales, and Nelmarie Cruz. They are joined by players selected in the draft, such as Noami Santos Lamb, Natalie García, Paola Santiago, Rocío Moro, and Madison Cruzado, who arrives via trade from Juncos.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 13, 2024. – Costa Rica and Belize continue their perfect run in the I Girls’ Under 15 Central American “Invitational” Volleyball Championship, being held at the Volleyball Gymnasium of the Nicaraguan Institute of Sports (IND).
On the third day of competition, Costa Rica showcased their strength by defeating Guatemala 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-15), extending their unbeaten streak to three matches.
Costa Rica
Belize is the other undefeated team after two matches, following a hard-fought 3-1 (25-23, 29-27, 22-25, 27-25) victory over host Nicaragua, which now holds a record of one win and two losses.
Meanwhile, El Salvador defeated Honduras 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-16).
El Salvador now has a record of two wins and one loss, Guatemala stands at 2-0, and Honduras has lost all three of their matches.
Saturday’s schedule begins with Guatemala facing El Salvador at 2:30 p.m., followed by the clash of undefeated teams, Costa Rica and Belize, at 4:30 p.m., and concludes with Nicaragua against Honduras at 6:30 p.m.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 13, 2024. – After losing the first set, Guatemala rallied to a 3-1 victory over Nicaragua (25-27, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21), securing a spot on the podium of the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
With this result, Guatemala improved its record to 4-1 and has one match left against Panama on the final day to determine the color of its medal. Meanwhile, Nicaragua will close its schedule against El Salvador.
Nicaragua started the match strongly, needing a win to stay in contention for the podium. However, it was Guatemala that executed better to claim the victory.
Guatemala outperformed Nicaragua in attack points 49-48, blocks 9-5, and serves 10-4 and committed fewer unforced errors, 29 compared to Nicaragua’s 32.
For Guatemala, José Samayoa led the attack with 16 points, supported by Borís González with 15. On Nicaragua’s side, Cristopher García collected 19 points, while Kenner Muñoz added 12.
Following the victory, Guatemala’s head coach, Luis Castañeda, commented: “We knew we had to win 3-0 to fight for the gold, but it didn’t happen. We must keep fighting to see what color our medal will be. Nicaragua is a tough team; they started playing very well and losing that set impacted our chances for first place.”
Nicaragua’s head coach, Jorge Mena, reflected: “In the first set, the team entered with a strong desire to win, but they lost morale, and the team fell apart. We must accept the loss. Now, we aim to beat El Salvador in our last game to finish with a victory, even if we don’t win a medal.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 13, 2024.– Costa Rica concluded the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Championship with a convincing victory over Belize, 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-15), securing a spot on the podium.
Costa Rica will rest on the seventh and final match day, finishing with a record of 5-1 in wins and losses. This performance guarantees them a place on the podium, though the final rankings depend on the outcomes of matches involving Panama, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Costa Rica faced no difficulties in dominating the match, leading in attack points 40-21, blocking 7-1, and service points 2-1. Belize gave away 26 points from unforced errors compared to 18 by Costa Rica.
On offense for Costa Rica, Ignacio Morales scored 15 points, while Jeremy Vanega contributed 13. For Belize, Daniel Musa stood out with 8 points.
Belize, with five losses, will face Honduras in the first match of the final day.
Reflecting on the victory, Costa Rica’s captain, Edser Barrantes, stated, “Congratulations to Belize; they have a great team that never stops fighting, with very tall players. We’ve completed our schedule and are very happy with everything we’ve achieved. We hope to take home a medal.”
Belize’s captain, Lawrence Mahler, added, “Costa Rica is a very good team, one that inspires you to keep fighting and that attacks a lot. We’ve improved as a team, and we performed quite well against Costa Rica. We hope to continue like this in our next match.”
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, October 12, 2024.- Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize claimed important victories on the second day of the inaugural Central American U15 Girls’ Volleyball “Invitational” Championship, held at the Volleyball Gymnasium of the Nicaraguan Institute of Sports (IND).
After a stumble on opening day, host Nicaragua earned its first victory in dramatic fashion, defeating Guatemala 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 26-24) with a nail-biting finish.
“It was a tough match. The girls were very nervous, so we made adjustments, gave more players experience under pressure, and managed to win,” said Nicaragua’s coach, Julio Alfaro.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica maintained its perfect record, securing a second consecutive win by overcoming a resilient El Salvador team.
“We owe it all to our coaches. We’ve built a great team, and it’s a new team. Beating El Salvador wasn’t easy. Having our families here is very motivating,” said Costa Rica’s captain, Luciana Vargas.
Belize made an impressive debut by defeating Honduras 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-12).
“It was a first game with some challenges, especially emotional ones, but that’s normal at their age. I’m pleased with their determination to win,” explained Belize’s coach, José Fontes.
On day three of competition, El Salvador and Honduras meet at 2:30 p.m., followed at 4:30 p.m. by Costa Rica and Guatemala, and at 6:30 p.m. Honduras faces Nicaragua.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 12, 2024.- Panama faced a determined Honduras, which despite its efforts on the court, could not avoid a 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-23) defeat in the final match of the fifth day of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
With this result, Panama maintains a perfect record of four wins and no losses, remaining the only unbeaten team in the tournament. They have two matches left, against El Salvador and Guatemala, to complete their schedule. Honduras, on the other hand, remains winless in five outings, with one match remaining against Belize on the final day of competition.
Although Panama did not display its best performance, it managed to prevail against a persistent Honduras that applied pressure throughout the match.
Diego Perez PAN
Panama led in attack points 46-33 and service points 4-3, while both teams were tied in blocks (6-6). Unforced errors were also close, with Panama committing 20 and Honduras 19.
For Panama, Víctor Pérez and Víctor Araúz each contributed 16 points, while Honduras’ top scorer was Gabriel Flores with 13 points.
Víctor Pérez, captain of Panama, expressed his thoughts on the victory: “We are very happy with the win and to remain undefeated, but we must acknowledge that the team didn’t play at 100 percent. We hope to perform better in the next match and play the way we know we can.”
Honduras’ captain, Héctor Duarte, reflected on his team’s performance: “We fought for most of the match. In the second set, we started to wake up halfway through, but it was already too late. Personally, I believe no team is invincible, and I always try to motivate my team to give it their all. We only have one match left against Belize, and we’ll do our best to win so we don’t finish last.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 12, 2024.- In a hard-fought battle from start to finish, Costa Rica edged out Nicaragua 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9) in a crucial match for both teams as they vie for a podium finish at the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
Costa Rica improved its record to four wins and one loss, while Nicaragua’s chances for a podium finish took a hit as they dropped to two wins and two losses. Nicaragua’s next matches are against Guatemala and host El Salvador, while Costa Rica will conclude its schedule on Friday against Belize.
Costa Rica performed better under pressure, which proved decisive in clinching the victory. They dominated Nicaragua in blocking (18-4), and also led in service points (6-3) and attacks (54-52). However, Costa Rica committed more unforced errors, with 37 compared to Nicaragua’s 24.
Ignacio Sánchez led Costa Rica’s offense with 22 points, supported by Jeremy Vanega with 15. For Nicaragua, Devin Hooker was the best player, scoring 24 points as the only Nicaraguan to surpass double digits.
After the match, Costa Rica’s coach Roberto Argüello commented: “We didn’t expect the match to be this challenging. Credit to Nicaragua, as they put us under a lot of pressure with their serves in the first and third sets, which made it difficult to set the ball through the middle. We reverted to our starting rotation from the match against Guatemala, and it worked better. Credit also goes to my players for staying calm and pulling through.”
Nicaragua’s coach Jorge Mena shared his thoughts: “We had the game in the second set, but our players couldn’t close it, and that’s where we lost the match. We managed to take the third set, but in the fourth and fifth, the team fell apart. Our attack weakened, and we couldn’t recover. All that’s left is to keep fighting because anything can happen.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 12, 2024.- Guatemala remains persistent in its quest for a podium finish after defeating Belize 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-13) in the first match of the fifth day of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
The victory improves Guatemala’s record to three wins and one loss, with two matches remaining in the tournament against Nicaragua and Panama. Meanwhile, Belize’s record stands at 0-4.
Guatemala displayed a more consistent offense and effectively countered Belize’s strong blocking to secure a decisive victory.
Daniel Musa BIZ
Belize put up a strong effort to challenge their opponent but conceded 29 points due to unforced errors compared to Guatemala’s 12. While Belize held a slight edge in blocks 5-3, Guatemala dominated in attack points 41-32. Both teams were evenly matched in service points at 2-2.
Omar Mendoza led Guatemala’s attack with 16 points. For Belize, Lebron Baizar and Daniel Musa were the top scorers, each contributing 8 points.
Reflecting on the victory, Guatemala’s head coach Luis Castañeda stated: “All victories are important. The good thing is that we earned five points with this win, and we hope to continue adding points in the rest of the tournament. Against Belize, our service was key. The team serves very well, and that made blocking much easier, helping us neutralize the opponent.”
Belize’s head coach Yamill Herrera shared his perspective after the match: “We couldn’t finish. We worked well on reception and defense, but there was no definition in our attack. Many balls we controlled on defense didn’t translate into points. We have two matches left, and they are very important. We need to try to win at least one to avoid finishing the tournament on such a low note.”
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, December 12, 2024.- The Caguas Criollas continue their preparation for the 2025 season in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF).
A Solid and Competitive Roster
The players retained for the 2025 season include Stephanie Enright, Alba Hernández, Alejandra Argüello, Paulina Pérez, Diana Reyes, Raymariely Santos, Kathia Sánchez, Sofia M. Victoriá, and their youth reserve, Chareika Carrión, in addition to the players selected in the draft. Caguas displays four top-level middle blockers and six outside hitters vying for spots in the starting lineup.
Intense and Positive Preparation
The squad, once again led by Juan C. Núñez and assisted by Juan Albarrán, has held five training sessions at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum. The team’s atmosphere and chemistry are reportedly excellent. Núñez shared: “We’ve had perfect attendance since we started with 10 players. This week, Sofía joined as the 11th player, and today, Thursday, Alejandra joins, making it 12. Great atmosphere, great chemistry, and the new players have adapted very well.”
A Promising Season
Fans of the Criollas are thrilled, as this season promises to bring back a Caguas team similar of past years, featuring many high-caliber players. Núñez added: “Last year, we had a roster with many young players; this roster has veteran, mature players who have been on big stages.”
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, December 11, 2024.- The Nicaraguan Volleyball Federation, in collaboration with the Managua City Hall, is hosting the First “Invitational” Central American U15 Women’s Championship from December 11 to 15.
The event, endorsed by AFECAVOL, is taking place at the Volleyball Gymnasium of the Nicaraguan Sports Institute (IND), featuring teams from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
On the first day of competition, Costa Rica and El Salvador emerged victorious.
Costa Rica dominated Honduras 3-0 (25-12, 25-9, 25-11), while El Salvador had to give their all to overcome the host team Nicaragua 3-2 (29-27, 25-23, 11-25, 20-25, 15-11).
Three matches were originally scheduled for the opening day; however, due to flight delays, Belize arrived in Managua late, and their match against Honduras was rescheduled for Thursday.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 11, 2024.- Costa Rica showed no mercy to El Salvador, securing a 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-23, 25-19) in the final match of the fourth day of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
The win improves Costa Rica’s record to 3-1, while El Salvador now has two wins and two losses. Costa Rica will face Nicaragua in their next match, while El Salvador will have a rest day.
El Salvador displayed great determination during the match, but it was not enough against Costa Rica, who effectively handled the pressure, particularly in the second set, where their superior blocking played a decisive role.
Costa Rica outscored El Salvador in attack points 38-30, blocking 11-6, and serving 5-0, while both teams were even in points by unforced errors (21-21).
Ignacio Sánchez led Costa Rica’s offense with 19 points, while Rafael Vargas was El Salvador’s top scorer with 12 points.
Regarding the victory, Edser Barrantes, captain of Costa Rica, remarked: “We achieved the result we were hoping for. We must acknowledge that El Salvador is a great team with a lot of courage and resilience; they never let a ball drop easily. Our goal is to win as many matches as we can. Unfortunately, our only loss was against Panama, but it was a great game.”
On the other hand, Rafael Vargas, captain of El Salvador, shared his thoughts after the match: “We leave with a bitter taste. We wanted to give more and demonstrate what we’d learned in training, but unfortunately, we couldn’t secure the victory. We struggled a lot in the attack. Despite having good receptions, we couldn’t finish our attacks effectively.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador December 11, 2024.- In a one-side game, Guatemala beat Honduras 3-0 (27-25, 25-16, 25-15), improving their record to two wins and one loss, after four days of competition at the 15th AFECAVOL Men’s Volleyball Central American Championship.
Guatemala was only challenged in the first set against a Honduras squad that was insistent, but did not show the same inspiration in the rest of the match.
Honduras, although it has shown certain flashes in the Central American U-19, has yet to win in four games. The Hondurans’ next rival will be Panama, while Guatemala faces Belize.
Guatemala was better in all aspects of the game, with a better attack in which it collected 34 points against the rival’s 22. Guatemala was also better in points achieved in attack 7-5, and service 5-3. In points due to unforced errors, Guatemala gave up 26 to Honduras’ 31.
On the attack for Guatemala, José Samayoa was the best with 14 points on his account, supported by Christian Álvarez with 11. For Honduras, Gabriel Flores and Jonathan Mendoza finished with 8 points each.
Josué González, captain of Guatemala, mentioned after the victory: “It is a very important victory for us, because of the points it gives us, that favors our goal of reaching the podium. The key to success against Honduras was that we played as a team and things went very well for us”.
For his part, Rafael Vargas, captain of Honduras, said: “I feel like there wasn’t that much difference between both teams, but what did make the difference was the attitude and confidence. As a group we also missed a lot of serves, we needed a little blocking, that didn’t help much in the first set, but after that we didn’t block much”.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 11, 2024.- Panama remains unstoppable in the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship, securing their third consecutive victory without defeats by overpowering Belize 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-11) in the opening match of the fourth day of the event.
Belize put up more resistance in the first set, but Panama proved vastly superior, leading in attack points 37-25, blocking 11-3, and serving 4-2. Moreover, the Panamanians committed fewer unforced errors, with just 14 compared to Belize’s 23.
Panama stands as the only undefeated team with a record of 3-0, while Belize has yet to achieve a win, with three losses.
Panama
Victor Pérez was Panama’s top scorer with 17 points, supported by Kendrick Newby with 12. For Belize, Daniel Musa contributed 7 points, while Albert Guy added 6.
Panama will face Honduras on the fourth day of the U19 Central American Championship, while Belize takes on Guatemala.
Regarding their victory, Panama’s coach Horacio Angulo stated: “We knew Belize would complicate things for us in the first set. We had studied them; they put a lot of pressure on the opening set. What I like about my team is that they’re starting to loosen up and show the volleyball they know how to play. But as I always tell them, we must take it one game at a time.”
On the other hand, Belize’s coach Yamill Herrera commented: “Things aren’t going our way. The players’ performance has been low, and the opponent has done better. We were leading in the first set but made four consecutive errors and losing that set affected our morale. We couldn’t recover after that.”
December 11, 2024.- The host cities for the highly anticipated FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 have been announced. Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket and Nakhon Ratchasima are set to welcome the Global Volleyball Movement next year from 22 August to 7 September 2025, as teams battle it out for a place on the podium.
In what is a volleyball-loving country, the selected host cities are set to offer world-class facilities and an unforgettable experience for the teams and fans alike. There will be 32 women’s national teams competing in Thailand next year – three from Africa, four from Asia, 16 from Europe, six from the NORCECA region and three from South America.
Pool play will take place across the four host cities: Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. From this stage, the top 16 teams will emerge to compete in the high-stakes direct elimination rounds. The action then shifts to Bangkok, where the Round of 16 will see teams fight for a coveted quarter-final spot.
The quarter-final victors will advance to the final stage, where the remaining teams will battle for the ultimate prize: the prestigious title of World Champions.
The Drawing of Lots ceremony for the competition will take place on 17 December 2024 at 3 pm local time in Bangkok. This will determine the eight pools of four teams that are set to battle it out for world championship glory!
Volleyball fans around the globe will be able to watch the event live on VBTV or Volleyball World’s YouTube Channel.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 10, 2024 – Guatemala claimed a much-needed first victory over El Salvador, winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-23) in the stellar match of the third day of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Guatemala entered the match determined to achieve their first win, and they delivered despite El Salvador’s strong resistance.
With this result, Guatemala now holds a 1-1 record, while El Salvador drops to 2-1, still with a long road ahead in their quest for a podium finish.
Guatemala displayed greater consistency on the court, leading in attack points 41-27, blocks 5-4, and service points 9-2. However, they conceded 28 points in unforced errors compared to 20 by El Salvador.
Guatemala
Offensively, Guatemala attained a well-distributed attack, with Omar Mendoza scoring 11 points and José Samayoa, Santiago Mena, and Christian Álvarez contributing 10 points each.
For El Salvador, Rafael Vargas was the standout player with 13 points, the only player from his team to reach double digits.
Luis Castañeda, coach of Guatemala, remarked after the match: “We needed to win this game. We knew El Salvador is a very strong opponent that increases when playing at home in front of their fans. Step by step, we’re making progress. Now we must focus on the next match.”
Guillermo Polanco, coach of El Salvador, commented: “We know this is a very evenly matched competition. Against Guatemala, our reception failed us, and it hurt us significantly. The tournament is about halfway through for us, and we still have a shot at the podium. The path is now longer, but it’s not impossible.”
In the fourth day of the U19 Central American Championship, Guatemala will face Honduras, while El Salvador takes on Costa Rica.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 10, 2024. – Panama secured a decisive victory over Nicaragua, winning 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-12), to claim their second win without defeats in the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Panama allowed Nicaragua little freedom on the court, handing the Nicaraguan team their first setback in the competition, where they now hold a 2-1 record.
Panama led offensively, scoring 37 points compared to 29 by Nicaragua. They also outperformed in blocking(9-3 and service points 3-1. In unforced errors, Panama conceded 21 points, while Nicaragua gave away 26.
Víctor Pérez led Panama’s offense with 19 points, while Víctor Araúz added 14. For Nicaragua, Devin Hooker and Joaquín Padilla scored 7 points each.
Nicaragua will rest on Wednesday, December 11, while Panama faces Belize.
After the victory, Horacio Angulo, coach of Panama, stated: “The work we did in training paid off for this match. Nicaragua came to play, but the boys were motivated, and we earned the win. We take it one match at a time because each game is different.”
Jorge Mena, coach of Nicaragua, commented after the match: “We knew we were going up against one of the strongest teams in the championship. Our team has players who are still very inexperienced, but we have to face reality, accept the loss, and work on lifting the team’s spirits. This isn’t over yet.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 10, 2024.- Costa Rica got back on the winning track, but had to push themselves to defeat Honduras 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) in the opening match of the third day of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Costa Rica improved their tournament record to 2-1, while Honduras remains winless after three appearances.
Although the match was one-sided, Honduras maintained constant pressure throughout the challenge but lacked the final push to extend the match.
Costa Rica dominated all aspects of the game, leading in attack points 36-27, blocks 9-5, and serves 6-4. Honduras gave away 24 points on unforced errors, compared to 22 by Costa Rica.
For Costa Rica, Ignacio Sánchez led the attack with 14 points, followed by Jeremy Vanega with 10. For Honduras, Jonathan Mendoza stood out offensively with 12 points.
After the victory, Roberto Argüello, coach of Costa Rica, stated: “This victory is important to help us achieve our goal. Honduras is an interesting team with fairly tall players. Even so, we managed to control the second and third sets, although the first was a bit challenging. We controlled it and secured the match.”
Meanwhile, Carlos Funez, coach of Honduras, commented: “This is our third match together, and we are starting to become a bit more cohesive. We must acknowledge that Costa Rica is a great team, while we are still trying to figure out the best positions for our players. We just have to keep fighting.”
December 10, 2024.- Mark your calendars! In preparation for the highly anticipated Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, Volleyball World has announced the host cities, pool matchups, team schedules, and ticketing details for next year’s expanded and refreshed edition of the tournament.
Fans around the globe will have the opportunity to gather in some of the world’s most iconic cities to witness the best teams battle for VNL glory.
Women’s and Men’s Opening Matches
The women’s competition will begin from 4 June to 8 June in Ottawa (Canada), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Beijing (China). Meanwhile, the men’s tournament starts on 11 June in Quebec City (Canada), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Xi’an (China), running through to 15 June.
Second Week of Action
From 18 June to 22 June, the women’s tournament will move to Istanbul (Türkiye), Hong Kong (China), and Belgrade (Serbia). The men’s competition will follow from 25 June 25 to 29 June in Burgas (Bulgaria), Chicago (USA), and Belgrade (Serbia).
To enhance player recovery, the 2025 calendar includes a new rest week from 30 June to 6 July following the second week of the men’s competition.
Final Week of Preliminary Rounds
The women’s teams will wrap up the preliminary stage from 9 July to 13 July in Apeldoorn (Netherlands), Arlington (USA), and Kanto (Japan). The men’s teams will compete in their final preliminary matches from 15 July to 20 July in Gdansk (Poland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), and Kanto (Japan).
Host Cities Shine
Volleyball World is proud to collaborate with these outstanding host cities, celebrated for their rich volleyball history and exceptional event-hosting capabilities. With state-of-the-art arenas, vibrant fan bases, and iconic backdrops, these cities are ready to welcome the global volleyball community to witness these thrilling matches.
Get Your Tickets Today!
Tickets for most pools are now available! Secure your seats to experience the excitement of live volleyball as the world’s top teams compete for a spot on the podium. Early bird discounts may be available—stay tuned for details.
The 2025 tournament ushers in a new era for international volleyball with major changes to engage more fans worldwide.
Expansion from 16 to 18 teams per gender.
New men’s teams: China and Ukraine.
New women’s teams: Czech Republic and Belgium.
A revamped preliminary phase with 216 matches played over three weeks.
Each team will compete in 12 matches with rotating pools across three host cities weekly.
Increased recovery and preparation time for athletes, ensuring high-energy performances.
Finals Host Cities Announcement Coming Soon!
The Finals will take place from 23 July to 27 July for the women’s competition and 30 July to 3 August for the men’s. Stay tuned for the announcement of the host cities!
Watch Live on VBTV
Fans worldwide can catch every thrilling moment on VBTV, Volleyball World’s official streaming platform. Subscribe today and don’t miss a single set, spike, or serve! Subscribe Here
VNL 2025 is set to deliver unforgettable moments as the world’s top volleyball talent comes together for an electrifying competition. Get ready to join the excitement!
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 9, 2024.- El Salvador stood strong on the court to secure an important victory over Belize, 3-1 (25-21, 17-25, 25-19, 25-20), in the final match of the second day of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
From the start of the match, the Salvadoran squad showed their determination to claim victory against a Belizean team eager for success.
The inspiration of El Salvador’s players prevailed as they outclassed in attack points, collecting 52 compared to Belize’s 37. Belize, however, led in blocks, 11-4, and service aces, 4-3. Both teams were evenly matched in unforced errors, with 33 each.
El Salvador
ÁLBUM ESA VS BIZ
El Salvador now features two wins and no losses in the tournament, while Belize remains winless after two matches.
Rafael Vargas was El Salvador’s top scorer with 19 points, supported by Stanley Fuentes with 11. For Belize, Francis Thomas and Hayden Requena each contributed 13 points.
Rafael Vargas, captain of El Salvador, reflected on the win: “It was an intense match, and we achieved a great victory that allows us to keep adding points towards our goal of earning a medal. We knew what to do at key moments, and that helped us push through.”
Lawrence Mahler, captain of Belize, remarked: “It was a very close game. El Salvador is a very good team, but we didn’t trust ourselves enough. We made quite a few serving errors, as well as in our attack. We needed to attack more, defend more, and block more, but overall, it was a good game.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 9, 2024.- Nicaragua defeated Honduras 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21) to claim their second victory in the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
Nicaragua managed to respond effectively to the challenge posed by Honduras. After losing the first two sets, Honduras claimed the third and pressured Nicaragua in the fourth, but they were unable to change the outcome of the match.
With this result, Nicaragua now holds a 2-0 record after two days of competition, while Honduras is 0-2.
A key factor in Nicaragua’s victory was their blocking, where they outperformed Honduras 9-8. They also had an advantage in service aces, 4-3. Honduras led in attacks, 54-45, but gave away more points through unforced errors, 40 compared to Nicaragua’s 27.
Cristopher García commanded Nicaragua’s offense with 16 points, followed by Devin Hooker with 14. For Honduras, Josué López led with 23 points, supported by Jonathan Mendoza with 18.
Félix Palacios, Nicaragua’s captain, shared his thoughts after the match: “We’re happy because we managed to get the result, although our goal was to win 3-0. The game got a bit complicated for us in the end, but we knew how to handle it. The key to our victory was staying calm and working as a team. That fueled our determination to win, which showed in the last set”.
Héctor Duarte, captain of the Honduras team, commented: “This was our second match, and it’s not over yet. We still have a chance to achieve something, and we won’t stop fighting until we do. Against Nicaragua, we lacked a bit more attitude, but I think we didn’t play poorly. We just need to focus on improving for the upcoming matches.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 9, 2024.- Panama earned an epic victory by defeating Costa Rica in five intense sets, 3-2 (27-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-27, 16-14), in their opening match of the 15th AFECAVOL U19 Men’s Central American Volleyball Championship.
The first challenge of the second day of the event was intense from start to finish, with Panama’s squad determined to secure the win, while Costa Rica fought to the very end.
After winning the first two sets, Panama was overwhelmed by a strengthened Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica’s efforts were not enough to counter Panama’s fierce attack.
Panama focused all their efforts on offense, collecting 63 points compared to Costa Rica’s 55. They also led in service aces 3-1, while Costa Rica outperformed in blocking 10-8. Costa Rica gave away 41 points through unforced errors, compared to Panama’s 48.
Víctor Pérez was instrumental in Panama’s victory, scoring 30 points, including 27 attacks, 2 blocks, and one service ace. Víctor Araúz added 19 points. For Costa Rica, Ignacio Sánchez led with 22 points, supported by Jeremy Vanega with 18.
With this result, Panama earned their first victory, while Costa Rica’s record now stands at 1-1.
Reflecting on the triumph, Víctor Pérez, Panama’s captain, said: “Costa Rica is a highly competitive team. They gave us a tough battle and managed to recover after losing the first two sets. They are a very tenacious team. The key for us was staying positive, supporting each other, and staying focused on the game.”
Meanwhile, Edser Barrantes, Costa Rica’s captain, commented: “We’re leaving with mixed feelings. We didn’t do things well, even though we gave it our all. Volleyball is like this, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We were so close to coming back in this match, and that fifth set was excellent. Things aren’t over for us yet; our goal is still to reach the podium.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 8, 2024.- El Salvador secured a 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 31-29) win over Honduras in the final match of the opening day at the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Honduras put up a strong fight to extend the match but was victim by their service errors, including several at critical points to close the third set, ultimately benefiting a determined Salvadoran squad.
El Salvador led in attack points 37-35 and blocks 8-5, while Honduras had a slight advantage in service points 6-4. However, Honduras struggled with unforced errors, committing 32 compared to El Salvador’s 25.
El Salvador
Rafael Vargas led El Salvador’s offense with 14 points, 13 from attacks and one from a service ace. Carlos Fuentes added 9 points, and Lucas Espindola contributed 7. For Honduras, Jonathan Mendoza, Nelson Valladares, and Josué López each scored 10 points.
After the match, El Salvador’s coach Guillermo Polanco shared: “Thank God we got the result. We came into the match a bit apprehensive since I have a very young group, many of whom will still be eligible for the next U19 tournament. Overall, they did well and managed to recover in two sets where we were behind.”
Honduras coach Carlos Funez commented: “Unfortunately, we lost the match due to our inability to make effective serves. We missed three consecutive serves on set points, and you can’t win like that. We have no choice but to learn from this situation and continue improving”.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 8, 2024.- In an intense match that went the distance, Nicaragua secured a crucial victory over Belize, winning 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 25-27, 29-27, 15-7) in the debut for both teams at the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Nicaragua took the first set, but Belize responded by claiming the next two. Belize was even one point away from winning the match in the fourth set but failed to close it out.
Belize was superior in blocking with a 13-6 advantage and led in service points 3-1 but was held up by unforced errors, conceding 42 points compared to Nicaragua’s 36.
In attack points, Nicaragua outscored Belize 68-54, with their defensive plays proving pivotal in critical moments.
Christopher Reyes NCA
Cristopher García was the leading scorer for Nicaragua with 20 points, while Devin Hooker added 17.
For Belize, Daniel Musa was the standout with 24 points, supported by Lebron Baizar with 12.
Reflecting on the victory, Nicaragua’s coach Jorge Mena stated: “The team struggled with receiving, and we had to make some changes that worked well, especially with the setter, who gave the match a new rhythm. I’m proud of how the boys never gave up.”
Belize’s coach, Yamill Herrera, commented: “This loss could affect us later; it’s crucial to start with a win to keep the team’s morale high. We had the chance to win in the fourth set, but one of our players let a critical ball drop. Credit to Nicaragua for their excellent defense, it was key to their success. We must also acknowledge that our best attacker cannot win the match on his own.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 8, 2024.- After a fiercely contested first set, Costa Rica picked up the pace to defeat Guatemala 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 26-24), claiming their first win at the opening of the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Guatemala managed to apply pressure in the first and third sets but could not sustain it against Costa Rica, who dominated in blocks with a 15-5 lead and outscored Guatemala in attacks 37-32.
Guatemala led in service points 7-3, while both teams were evenly matched in unforced errors, each tallying 21.
Costa Rica
For Costa Rica, Jeremy Antonio Vanega stood out as the top scorer with 16 points, supported by Ignacio Sánchez with 14 points. On Guatemala’s side, José Samayoa contributed 15 points, while Santiago Mena added 10.
After the match, Costa Rica’s coach, Roberto Quesada, remarked, “We started a bit nervously and made several mistakes in both attacks and touching the net too often. However, it was a very interesting match. We know Guatemala is a strong team, so taking this step is crucial for the goal we have in mind.”
Meanwhile, Guatemala’s coach, Luis Castañeda, commented, “We didn’t want to start with a loss, but that’s what happened. Now we look forward to the next match to improve. There’s a lot to work on, so we need to focus on correcting those aspects.”
On the second day of the U19 Central American Championship, Costa Rica will face Panama, while Guatemala will have a rest day.
PONCE, Puerto Rico, December 7, 2024 – The Caribes of San Sebastián achieved the highly coveted “back-to-back” championship on Saturday night, December 7, in a thrilling Game 7 of the Men’s Volleyball Superior Leagues (LVSM) Finals against the Mets of Guaynabo at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.
It was an intense and dramatic series, decided in five dramatic sets, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13).
This marks the third championship for the Caribes franchise, with their first title dating back to the 1999 season.
Following the victory and during the celebration, Dr. Angelo Ferrante, owner of the Caribes de San Sebastián, addressed the fans: “We promised you the ‘back-to-back,’ and here it is. Now we’re going for the three-peat.”
Jalen Penrose led the Caribes with 28 points, followed by Pelegrín Vargas with 20, Pablo Guzmán with 14, and Pedro Nieves with 11.
For the Mets of Guaynabo, Inovel Romero scored 24 points, Gregory Torres 23, and Gianluca Grasso 16.
San Sebastián outperformed Guaynabo in attacks (73 to 64), aces (6 to 2), and passes (64 to 54). However, the Mets excelled in blocks (13 to 8), defenses (58 to 57), and assists (28 to 23).
Outside hitter Pablo Guzmán was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final series. After the win, he said: “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy victory. Guaynabo has an incredible team, a great team. I respect them, and we respect them, but we had to come out determined and focused on the victory, with a lot of patience.”
He added: “Winning a ‘back-to-back’ isn’t easy, especially when teams make big signings like Guaynabo. As I said, composure was key and staying united. Chamo (the team’s coach) did an excellent job rotating the players. Honestly, it was a collective victory that will mean a lot for our careers and for Pepino.”
On being named MVP, Guzmán concluded: “It means so much. This is a team effort, but since 2021, I’ve worked hard. I’ve been through injuries, played while hurt, but thanks to God, I was healthy enough to play this final series and help my teammates win this championship. Thanks to God.”
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 7, 2024.- Despite the youth of its participants, the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship promises plenty of excitement. Matches will take place from December 8 to 14 at the FESAVOL Gymnasium.
After completing the preliminary interview protocol, the seven team coaches agreed that the battle for a spot on the podium will not be easy.
Regarding Costa Rica’s goals, head coach Roberto Argüello shared:“We understand the commitment we bring to this tournament, as we are the current U19 Central American champions. We have a young team, but with experience. We know the other teams are well-prepared and very strong. We worked hard for our first goal, which is to be among the top three, and once that spot is secured, we will aim for first place.”
Costa Rica
Meanwhile, Belize’s coach Yamil Herrera remarked: “It will be a very tough and competitive tournament. Belize has had good preparation. Fifty percent of our athletes competed in the Codicader Games on the same court where the U19 will be held, so they have international experience. We hope they execute the tactical plans we’ve worked on in training and maintain consistent performance to achieve good results”.
Beñize
Guatemala’s coach Luis Castañeda added: “We know the teams have prepared hard for this competition, and they are coming with a high level of play. As a national team, we’ve prepared well and are eager to perform well to achieve the best results. Our aim is to reach the podium, but we also recognize the high level of this event, so we will work step by step to achieve our goal.”
Guatemala
Discussing El Salvador’s participation, coach Guillermo Polanco explained: “We have a mostly new group, but we have high expectations and hope to surprise everyone. Our goal is to reach the podium, and we’ve prepared for it. This will be a very competitive tournament, where the team that stays focused and applies themselves during the matches will get the best results.”
El Salvador
Honduras’ coach Carlos Funez commented: “We are bringing a fairly young team, including four U17 players for development, while the rest are U19. We hope the team performs well, as we prepared well in advance. In this tournament, we have very young players in an intermediate stage of their athletic development, so their personality and psychological preparation will be crucial for their performance.”
Honduras
Nicaragua’s coach Jorge Mena emphasized: “We’ve prepared intensely for this championship, and we’re ready to face a new challenge. I must thank the Nicaraguan Volleyball Federation for their support. Our goal is to finish on the podium. We’ve trained for it, and we’re ready to achieve it.”
Nicaragua
Finally, Panama’s coach Horacio Angulo shared: “Panama comes with a base of U21 players who earned us a second place previously. We’re here to play match by match and aim for another medal for our country. This U19 event represents an intermediate category, featuring enthusiastic young players with a high level of play. We expect a tough tournament.”
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, December 4, 2024.- The Mets de Guaynabo defended their home court at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum for the third time, leveling the final series of the Men’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSM) at three wins apiece against defending champions Caribes de San Sebastián. The Mets secured a 3-1 victory in Game six (22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-19).
As a result, the series will be decided in a maximum of seven games, with the championship trophy up for grabs this Saturday, December 7, scheduled at 8:00 PM at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce, known as the Ciudad Señorial.
For the second consecutive year, the men’s tournament final series will culminate in a decisive seventh game. Last season, the Caribes de San Sebastián were crowned champions against the Changos de Naranjito.
The Mets’ top scorer in the sixth game of the series was Gregory Torres, who tallied 20 points (16 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces). He was followed by Inovel Romero with 17 points, all from attacks, and Gianluca Grasso with 9 points.
For San Sebastián, Pelegrín Vargas led the offense with 12 points, while Pablo Guzmán, Ezequiel Cruz, and Jalen Penrose each added 11 points.
The Mets outperformed the Caribes in blocks (13-8) and aces (4-3), while the Caribes had the upper hand in attacks (52-49), digs (55-45), receptions (58-52), and assists (30-22).
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, December 4, 2024.- The four FIVB Volleyball Youth World Championships set to take place in 2025 started taking shape on Wednesday, when the drawing of lots for the tournaments were held in Lausanne, Switzerland, determining the start of the journey of each of the 96 national teams set to compete for medals next year.
The Drawing of Lots replay is available onYouTube.
Each tournament will feature 24 national teams, which are now allocated into four pools of six. After the conclusion of pool play, the best four teams in each pool will move forward, advancing to the eighthfinals. Teams ranked fifth and sixth in their pools will continue in action, playing in the playoffs to determine the final positions from 17th to 24th.
FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship will be held from 3 to 13 July in Osijek, Croatia and Belgrade, Serbia.
Pool A: Croatia, Thailand, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, Germany
Pool B: Serbia, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Chinese Taipei
Pool C: USA, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru, Spain
Pool D: Italy, Japan, China, Tunisia, Belgium, Chile
FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship will be held from 24 July to 3 August in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Pool A: Uzbekistan, Belgium, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Pakistan, Türkiye
Pool B: France, Bulgaria, Japan, China, Algeria, Canada
Pool C: Iran, Italy, Egypt, Tunisia, Poland, Spain
Pool D: USA, Korea, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Finland
FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship will be held from 7 to 17 August in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Pool A: Indonesia, Argentina, Serbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Vietnam
Pool B: China, USA, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Korea, Croatia
Pool C: Italy, Türkiye, Egypt, Poland, Algeria, Czechia
Pool D: Brazil, Japan, Tunisia, Thailand, Chile, Bulgaria
FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship will be held from 18 to 31 August in Jiangmen, China.
Pool A: China, Egypt, USA, Thailand, Morocco, Türkiye
Pool B: Iran, Poland, Canada, Korea, Puerto Rico, Kazakhstan
Pool C: Bulgaria, Brazil, Czechia, Colombia, Japan, Cuba
Pool D: Italy, Argentina, Tunisia, France, Ukraine, Indonesia
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 4, 2024.- The 15th edition of the AFECAVOL Under 19 Men’s Central American Championship is headed to San Salvador, El Salvador, to be held December 8-14 at the FESAVOL Gymnasium.
Costa Rica is aiming for its fourth consecutive Central American title, after winning the last three editions of the event undefeated (2022, 2019, 2018). They are the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with an overall of 13 medals ( eight golds, two silvers, three bronzes) and having reached the podium in every edition since the tournament’s inception in 1982.
Guatemala and Nicaragua have each won the championship title; Guatemala on three occasions and Nicaragua two times. Guatemala also has seven silver medals and two bronze medals, while Nicaragua has one silver and one bronze medal.
In the last edition, held in Copán, Honduras in 2022, Belize achieved a historic milestone by earning its first-ever medal in the event, finishing in third place.
The round-robin competition will feature all seven Central American countries and kicks off on Sunday, December 8, with three daily matches.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 3, 2024).- USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the hiring of accomplished sports and entertainment executive Jaime Weston as Chief Commercial Officer.
At USA Volleyball, Weston will lead the commercial and brand strategy of the organization as it heads into the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Along with a passion for volleyball, Weston brings extensive experience in business operations, partnerships, marketing and experiential events, and creative strategy to her new role.
Previously, Weston was the senior vice president of marketing at the National Football League, where she was responsible for setting the brand vision and growth marketing strategies. She was also the executive vice president of global consumer marketing for Universal Music Group and the executive vice president, chief marketing officer for On Location, Endeavor’s premium live event events company.
“I’m confident that Jaime’s leadership and passion for the sport will be a valuable asset to our organization,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “I look forward to the fresh perspectives and strategic insights she will bring to our team.”
Weston will be based in Southern California, home to the national training centers of both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams in Anaheim and the U.S. Beach National Team in Torrance.
“Volleyball has been a cornerstone of my life as a player, competitor, and parent,” said Weston. “Joining a mission-driven organization like USA Volleyball, the pinnacle of our sport in the U.S., is a true honor. With John at the helm as CEO, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate the sport’s rich history and help shape its bright future on the global stage.”
SAN SEBASTIÁN, Puerto Rico, December 2, 2024 – The Caribes de San Sebastián are just one victory (3-2) away from completing their “back-to-back” championship in the Men’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSM) after sweeping 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-20) the Mets de Guaynabo in the fifth game of the Finals at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum,
This marks the second time Caribes have successfully defended their home court, dominating the Mets de Guaynabo in straight sets.
The Caribes outperformed the Mets 40-36 in attacks, 12-5 in blocks, and 19-16 in assists. Guaynabo had the upper hand in aces (3-0), digs (39-34), and receptions (44-31).
San Sebastián’s offense was led by Ezequiel Cruz, who scored 14 points with 12 kills and 2 blocks. He was followed by Pedro Nieves with 10 points, while Jalen Penrose and Pelegrín Vargas contributed 8 points each.
For the Mets de Guaynabo, Gianluca Grasso and Inovel Romero each tallied 11 points.
Caribes fans
After the victory, Ezequiel Cruz, the outside hitter for the Caribes de San Sebastián, who earned his coach Marcos Liendo Sivira’s trust after the first set, said: “It was a night full of emotions, but with one goal in mind. I think we came out with the right attitude tonight and, thank God, we came away with the win”.
This Finals series has been marked by the dominance of home teams, with each winning their respective matches. The Mets de Guaynabo now have the opportunity to continue this trend in Game 6 on their home court.
Caribes, however, have a different objective: to close out the series. Cruz believes that mental preparation is key to achieving this, and the more focused they are on the court, the better they will perform.
Ramón Burgos, captain of the Mets de Guaynabo, said: “It was a good win for Caribes. It’s always tough playing in this arena; thank God we don’t have to come back here. Now, it’s our turn to protect our home court, stay focused, and improve in every facet of the game to force Game 7 in Ponce”.
The series continues on Wednesday, December 4, at 8:00 PM for Game 6 at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo.
The Finals is a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games claiming the championship. If the Mets win Game 6, the decisive Game 7 will be held at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce on Saturday, December 7, starting at 8:00 PM.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, November 29, 2024.- The Guaynabo Mets, showing their resilience, defeated the defending champions, Caribes de San Sebastián, 3-1 (25-20, 25-16, 15-25, 25-20) in the fourth game of the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) Final Series at their home court, Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum.
In the fourth set, leading the match 2 sets to 1, the Mets secured victory by pulling ahead 19-14 with a strong back-row attack. They reached set point at 24-19 with a triple block against Jalen Penrose and clinched the win at 25-20 due to a service error by Penrose.
The Mets outperformed the Caribes in several categories: 51-47 in attacks, 13-5 in blocks, 3-2 in aces, and 36-32 in digs. Meanwhile, San Sebastián led in passing (60-52) and assists (24-17).
The Mets’ top offensive contributors were Inovel Romero with 23 points (20 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace), followed by Egyptian player Hisham Yousri with 17 points, and Gianluca Grasso with 7 points. For Caribes, Jalen Penrose scored 21 points, and Pelegrín Vargas added 11.
After the win, Inovel Romero, the outside hitter for the Guaynabo Mets, stated: “We were down 2-1 in the series and knew it would be a tough match, so we gave it our all. We made adjustments, stayed united, and thanks to God and the team’s effort, we came out with the victory. We must keep going because the series isn’t over yet. They’re a great team defending their championship. Now, we need to go there, try to steal a game, and come back home to close it out. But we know it’s going to be tough, and we’re ready for whatever comes.”
This series has seen home teams come out victorious in every game so far. To turn things around, Romero added: “We need to stay focused when we play there. Their fans are really involved, but we must block that out. We’ll keep making adjustments because the series is still on, and we’re moving forward.”
Enger Mieses, libero for the Caribes de San Sebastián, commented: “We couldn’t pull off the win. It’s tough because, remember, at this stage, it’s all mental. The difference will be which team can steal a game on the road. It’s a mental game. When they play at home, they feel the same pressure some of our players might feel when we come to Guaynabo.”
Regarding the key to defending their home court in the next game, Mieses concluded: “I think it’s about focus, starting from the beginning with the claws that define us, bringing them into our style of play and not playing at their rhythm. I think focus is the most important thing.”
The series continues on Monday, December 2, at Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum in San Sebastián for Game 5.
The Final Series is played as a best-of-seven format, with the first team to win four games claiming the championship.
SAN SEBASTIÁN, Puerto Rico, November 27, 2024.- The third match of the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) Final Series at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum went to the Caribes of San Sebastián, with a decisive 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-17, 25-20) over the Mets of Guaynabo.
Both teams entered the game tied with one win apiece after the Mets overcame the Caribes in a five-set thriller in the second match of the series. Tonight, San Sebastián showed why they are the defending champions.
Caribes outperformed the Mets in attacks (43-29), blocks (7-0), aces (9-4), and sets (25-24). Both teams ended tied in digs with 27, while the Mets had the edge in assists (9-8).
After the commanding win, Pelegrín Vargas Jr. of the Caribes stated: “Well, I’m not going to lie to you; this game showed a lot of character from us. They had a great match in Guaynabo, and without taking anything away from them, I think we were able to do better tonight. We made the necessary adjustments, came focused, and used our home crowd to our advantage. They were our seventh player, and I think that made the difference. That’s what series are all about.”
Coliseo Luis Aymat Cardona de San Sebastian
When asked if this result signaled the end of the series, Vargas added: “No, sir, no, sir. This is the third game, and it’s the best of seven. We haven’t accomplished anything yet. We have to keep moving forward, stay united, and make the necessary adjustments game by game.”
Gregory Torres of the Mets commented: “We didn’t expect this result, especially after the great match we had at home. But credit to the other team, they played really well. Even though we’re not an easy team to beat, they played quite well.”
Regarding the difference between this game and the last, Torres pointed out: “I think it was a lack of focus. We were a bit unfocused, arrived late, and didn’t have enough time to prepare calmly or follow our usual pregame ritual. These are things you face traveling to different venues, and not all trips are the same.”
The top scorers for Caribes were Pelegrín Vargas with 24 points (17 attacks, 2 blocks, 5 aces), followed by Jalen Penrose with 13 points, and Pablo Guzmán and Pedro Nieves, each with 7 points.
For the Mets, Inovel Romero scored 10 points, and Gianluca Grasso added 8.
Before the match, Dr. César H. Trabanco, President of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, presented plaques to the players awarded this season’s individual honors.
The series moves to the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo this Friday, November 29, for the fourth match. The best-of-seven series will continue, with the game scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM.
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) 0-3 (25-17, 25-17 y 25-20) 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).
November 27, 2024.- The tournament will kick off on September 12 with the opening match between the host country, the Philippines, and Tunisia.
The 32 national teams that will take part in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, in the Philippines, are now familiar with what the start of their journeys in the tournament will be like as the event’s match schedule was released.
Set to take place from September 12-28 in the country’s capital Manila, and having the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena as venues, the 2025 World Championship will have 64 matches over the course of 17 days of action.
Watch the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship live onVBTV
A single match will be held on the opening day, September 12, pitting hosts the Philippines, who are set to make their first-ever appearance in the event, and Tunisia, who will be competing for a seventh-straight time, against each other, at 19:00 local time (12:00 GMT), in a Pool A encounter.
International volleyball heavyweights the United States, Japan and Poland will all be on the court on the second day of action, September 13. With new head coach Karch Kiraly on the sidelines, the Americans will meet Colombia, at 10:00 (3:00 GMT), in a Pool D encounter.
Japan, who will also have a new leader in French Olympic champion Laurent Tillie, will start their Pool G campaign at 14:00 (7:00 GMT), against Türkiye. Three-time world champions and FIVB World Ranking leaders Poland will appear in the last match of the day, scheduled for 21:30 (14:30 GMT), when they battle fellow Europeans Romania in Pool B.
The debut of defending champions Italy will be one of the attractions of the third day of the event, September 14. The Europeans will bring the day to an end, meeting Algeria at 21:30 (14:30 GMT) in Pool F.
Reigning Olympic champions France will be another team to play on the day, as they start their Pool C campaign against Korea, at 18:00 (11:00 GMT). Later, at 21:00 (14:00 GMT), three-time world champions Brazil make their Pool H debut against China.
Pool play will unfold from September 12 to September 19, with the top two national teams in each of the eight pools advancing. After a rest day, the elimination rounds begin on September 20 with the Round of 16, which will go until September 23, with two matches per day.
Two quarterfinal duels will be held on September 24 and another two on September 25. After another rest day, it will be time for the medal rounds, with the two semifinals taking place on September 27 and the bronze and gold medal matches ending the event on September 28.
The 2025 World Championship will be the first in the ‘new era’ of the tournament. Starting in this edition, the tournament will be held biannually and will have an expanded field, featuring 32 national teams per gender.
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.
Guaynabo Mets
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).
SAN SEBASTIÁN, Puerto Rico, November 22, 2024. – The opening match of the Finals series in the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) was claimed by the defending champions, Caribes de San Sebastián, with a 3-1 victory (18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19) over the Mets de Guaynabo at the Luis Aymat Cardona court.
This marked the 18th consecutive win for the Caribes de San Sebastián, who have remained unbeaten since September 7.
The winning offense showed a balanced double-digit performance, led by Jalen Penrose with 22 points, including 17 kills, 2 blocks, and 3 aces. He was followed by Pelegrín Vargas with 19 points and Pedro Nieves with 10.
For the Mets de Guaynabo, Inovel Romero and Gianluca Grasso each tallied 15 points, while Gregory Torres added 14.
Howard García, setter for the Caribes de San Sebastián, commented: “We knew it was going to be a tough night. Guaynabo has a great team, but I think we kept our composure, executed the game plan, and came out with the victory.”
Regarding the Caribes’ winning streak, García added: “This is all about hard work and dedication, lots of practice, training, hours spent analyzing stats and studying opponents. Thanks to God, we’ve been able to achieve all these victories up until tonight.”
The series continues on Sunday at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo. García concluded: “We know it won’t be an easy night. Guaynabo has strong fan support, and it’s an away game for us. But we know that if we execute the game plan, we can secure the win.”
Gerardo “Gerry” De Jesús, coach of the Mets de Guaynabo, reflected on the match: “We lost our composure a bit, especially in the second set. We didn’t play well in the second and third sets. San Sebastián did their job, but statistically, it was more about what we didn’t do than what they did. We made 11 errors in the second set and 12 in the third, which cost us confidence and execution. It made us doubt, and that was the key factor.”
Regarding their plans for Game 2, De Jesús said: “We need to play cleaner volleyball, reduce errors, especially on serves, and stay calm. It’s all about execution. This game is won by executing.”
In team stats, San Sebastián outperformed Guaynabo in blocks (8-7), assists (14-13), and receptions (39-30). Guaynabo led in attacks (49-48) and digs (37-27).
FINALS 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)
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. +Match to be held at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce, neutral court.)
Nov. 22, 2024: Head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo has announced his departure as head coach of the senior men’s program.
“It is with a heavy heart that I’ve made the decision to step down as head coach of Team Canada,” said Sammelvuo. He and his wife welcomed a new baby into their family last month, which precipitated the decision.
Sammelvuo thanked the players and staff for their dedication to improvement since he took over the program.
“We’ve had two great years together… you have been a fantastic team to coach. I never needed to coach attitude or energy levels. That’s why it was so great to be in the gym with this team. Wins and losses fade away, but relationships last forever, and that’s what made this decision so difficult.”
Sammelvuo was named the men’s team head coach in 2022, and quickly helped the team in its bid to qualify for Paris 2024, coming second in its pool at the Qualification Tournament in 2023. Canada finished 10th overall at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The team also progressed to the Volleyball Nations League quarterfinals in 2024.
“Tuomas demonstrated great leadership and passion for Team Canada during his time with the senior program,” said Julien Boucher, Volleyball Canada’s high-performance director (indoor). “He worked very hard on and off the court, showing the players what was possible and succeeding in guiding the men’s team to its third Olympic Games in a row. We wish him the best as he takes this time to be closer to his family.”
Originally from Finland, he is currently the head coach of the Polish professional team, Asseco Resovia. Sammelvuo was previously the head coach of the Finnish national team and led Russia to 2019 Volleyball Nations League gold and a silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Volleyball Canada will begin the process of hiring a replacement immediately.
YAUCO, Puerto Rico, November 18, 2024. – The Guaynabo Mets secured their spot in the finals of the Puerto Rico Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) by defeating Yauco Cafeteros 3-1 (25-21, 25-14, 24-26, 25-19) in Game 6 of the Semifinal Series at the Raúl “Pipote” Oliveras court.
Guaynabo was powered by double-digit performances from Gregory Torres, Inovel Romero, and Gianluca Grasso, who contributed 22, 17, and 11 points, respectively.
For Yauco Cafeteros, Diego Negrón and Mark Frazier also posted double-digit scores with 18 and 15 points, respectively.
Guaynabo outperformed Yauco 54-39 in attacks, 41-30 in digs, 8-3 in aces, and 23-16 in assists. Both teams tied with 8 blocks each, while Yauco had the edge in receptions, 55-46.
The Mets will now face the defending champions, Caribes of San Sebastián, in the final series.
Guaynabo returns to the finals after falling in four games in the 2023 semifinals against the Caribes of San Sebastián. The Mets have lifted the championship trophy in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022. The 2017 season was canceled due to Hurricanes Irma and María, and the 2020 tournament was called off due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Caribes of San Sebastián’s first title prior to their 2023 championship was back in 1999.
The final series will be played in a best-of-seven format, with the first team to win four games claiming the championship.
SEMIFINAL SERIES A
Game 1 – Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 PM – Yauco at Guaynabo / 2-3 (21-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-11)
Game 2 – Friday, November 8, 8:00 PM – Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (28-30, 14-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13)
Game 3 – Sunday, November 10, 5:00 PM – Yauco at Guaynabo / 0-3 (25-22, 25-15, 25-23)
Game 4 – Wednesday, November 13, 8:00 PM – Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 15-8)
Game 5 – Friday, November 15, 8:00 PM – Yauco at Guaynabo / 1-3 (25-20, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13)
Game 6 – Monday, November 18, 8:00 PM – Guaynabo at Yauco / 3-1 (25-21, 25-14, 24-26, 25-19)
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, November 15, 2024.- The Mets de Guaynabo took control of their semifinal series against Cafeteros de Yauco with a 3-2 lead, positioning themselves just one victory away from the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) finals after defeating them 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13) at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum.
Following the win, Mets libero Arnel Cabrera said: “As I’ve said before, I believe we’re playing this series against ourselves. Yauco has shown an incredible level of play, but whenever we manage to focus on our strengths and control our emotions a bit, we execute very well. It’s been challenging because we’re such a complete team; everyone wants to give their best, which sometimes works against us. We make mistakes at critical moments, and Yauco, credit where it’s due, has executed extremely well and given us an incredible series.”
This semifinal has seen the home team prevail in every game. Addressing this trend, Cabrera added: “Of course, going to Yauco requires responsibility and a clear mindset. It’s an emotional venue, with a passionate crowd, and we know they play very well at home and defend their court effectively. On our end, I’d say we’ve had some erratic games at times in Yauco, which has shaken our confidence a bit when playing away. But we have a day to clear our minds and head there as focused as possible.”
The Mets outperformed Cafeteros 50-36 in attacks, 11-9 in blocks, 51-39 in digs, and 9-4 in aces, while Yauco held the edge in receptions (52-44) and assists (25-20).
The winners’ offense was led by Inovel Romero with 20 points, Gregory Torres with 18, and Gianluca Grasso with 11. For Yauco, Diego Negrón contributed 16 points, and Mark Frazier added 10 in the losing effort.
The series returns to the Pipote Oliveras Coliseum in Yauco for Game 6 on Monday, November 18, at 8:00 PM.
The winner of this series will face the defending champions, Caribes de San Sebastián, who became the first finalists after sweeping the runners-up, Changos de Naranjito, in four matches.
The semifinal series are played in a best-of-seven format. The KIA Cup Grand Final begins two days after the last semifinal concludes.
SEMIFINAL SERIES A
Game #1 – Wednesday, November 6 – 8:00 PM, Yauco ag Guaynabo / 2-3 (21-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-11)
Game #2 – Friday, November 8 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (28-30, 14-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13)
Game #3 – Sunday, November 10 – 5:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo / 0-3 (25-22, 25-15, 25-23)
Game #4 – Wednesday, November 13 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 15-8)
Game #5 – Friday, November 15 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo / 1-3 (25-20, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13)
Game #6 (if necessary) – Monday, November 18 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco
Game #7 (if necessary) – Thursday, November 21 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, November 14, 2024. – The reigning champions of the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM), the Caribes de San Sebastián, completed a sweep of the runner-up Changos de Naranjito in Semifinal B on Thursday, November 14, winning the series in four matches.
The Caribes dropped only two sets throughout the series and eliminated the Changos with nine straight set wins, sealing their victory at the legendary Gelito Ortega court in this municipality.
Dr. Angelo Ferrante Cruz, owner of the Caribes, shared after the win: “I’m very happy. I thought it would be tougher. The Changos are a great team and a strong opponent, but the Caribes have been inspired and focused. There’s no doubt we’re aiming for that back-to-back championship, and with God’s favor, we’re just four games away from achieving it.”
Regarding the other semifinal between the Mets de Guaynabo and the Cafeteros de Yauco, which is guaranteed to reach at least six games and considering that the final series would begin just two days after the conclusion of that series, Dr. Ferrante added: “Well, there’s not much time to rest. Tomorrow, Friday (today), we’ll rest, but by Saturday, we’ll be back on the court practicing and preparing for both potential opponents. That series seems to be going long, and we need to be ready for either contender to ultimately win the championship as we aspire to.”
“We encourage the fans of San Sebastián and the fans of the other team that advances to the final to support us, to support volleyball. We rely on that support, on that ‘seventh player’ in the stands. Without a doubt, all of Puerto Rico knows that San Sebastián has the best volleyball fans, thanks to God,” concluded Ferrante Cruz.
The scores in San Sebastián’s victory were 25-21, 27-25, and 25-21.
The Caribes outperformed Changos 44-34 in attacks, 9-5 in blocks, 6-1 in aces, and 26-25 in digs. Both teams tallied 37 receptions each, while the home team led in assists 22-17.
Caribes’ offensive leaders in double digits included their import Jalen Penrose with 22 points, all from attacks, followed by Pelegrín Vargas with 16 points and Pedro Nieves with 7.
For the Changos de Naranjito, Félix Chapman scored 10 points, Ángel Rivera had 9, and Adrián Iglesias contributed 7.
SEMIFINAL B SERIES
GAME #1 – Thursday, November 7 – 8:00 PM
Naranjito at San Sebastián – 2-3 (25-20, 25-18, 17-25, 22-25, 15-12).
GAME #2 – Saturday, November 9 – 8:00 PM
San Sebastián at Naranjito – 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 27-25).
GAME #3 – Tuesday, November 12 – 8:00 PM
Naranjito at San Sebastián – 0-3 (25-23, 25-20, 25-21).
GAME #4 – Thursday, November 14 – 8:00 PM
San Sebastián at Naranjito – 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, 25-21).
YAUCO, Puerto Rico, November 13, 2024.- Playing at home in the Raúl “Pipote” Oliveras Coliseum, Yauco Cafeteros rallied to secure a win in a decisive fifth set, defeating the Guaynabo Mets to even the series at two wins apiece.
The Mets, who had previously swept Yauco 3-0, stumbled with 12 service errors and 19 attack errors, crucial factors that ultimately influenced the outcome.
The Cafeteros took the win 3-2 (18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 15-8).
With the match tied at two sets each, Cafeteros opened the fifth set with a 5-1 lead thanks to a block by Mark Frazier, a lead they would not hand over. Eddie Rivera then extended the advantage with an ace, pushing the score to 12-7. This set the stage for Diego Negrón, who scored three consecutive points, one from the left wing and two from the opposite corner, to seal the victory at 15-8.
Yauco outperformed Guaynabo 63 to 62 in attacks, 53 to 42 in digs, and 70 to 61 in receptions, though Guaynabo led 14 to 5 in blocks and 21 to 20 in assists.
The Cafeteros’ double-digit scorers were Diego Negrón with 21 points, Eddie Rivera with 17, and both Mark Frazier and Jessie Colón with 11 each.
For the Mets, Gianluca Grasso led with 24 points, followed by Inovel Romero with 15, and Hisham Yousri with 11.
Yauco’s two wins came in five-set matches, while Guaynabo’s wins were one in straight sets and the other in five.
This competitive series guarantees at least a sixth game, meaning that at least six of the potential seven games will be played.
The series resumes on Friday, November 15, at Mario Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo and returns to Pipote Oliveras on Monday, November 18. Both games are scheduled for 8:00 PM.
The other semifinal between San Sebastián Caribes (3-0) and Naranjito Changos will take place on Thursday, November 14, at 8:00 PM at the legendary Gelito Ortega court.
The semifinals are best-of-7 series, and the KIA Cup Grand Final will begin two days after the last semifinal concludes.
SEMIFINAL A SERIES
GAME #1 – Wednesday, November 6 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo / 2-3 (21-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-11)
GAME #2 – Friday, November 8 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (28-30, 14-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13)
GAME #3 – Sunday, November 10 – 5:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo / 0-3 (25-22, 25-15, 25-23)
GAME #4 – Wednesday, November 13 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco / 2-3 (18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 15-8)
GAME #5 (IF NECESSARY) – Friday, November 15 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo
GAME #6 (IF NECESSARY) – Monday, November 18 – 8:00 PM, Guaynabo at Yauco
GAME #7 (IF NECESSARY) – Thursday, November 21 – 8:00 PM, Yauco at Guaynabo
English 
Spanish