COROZAL, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2026 – Semifinal B of the Men’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSM) was tied at two wins apiece after the Plataneros de Corozal successfully defended their home court at the Carmen Z. Figueroa Arena with a thrilling 3–1 victory (25-20, 21-25, 28-26, 31-29) over the Cafeteros de Yauco in a match not for the faint of heart.
With the match tied at one set each, both teams reached a 20–20 deadlock following an attack error by Brandon Rattray from zone two. From there, the score remained even until 26, when the Plataneros closed the set with two consecutive points: a block by Guillermo Moya on Juan Felipe Castañeda and another attack error by Rattray from zone two.
The third set was a “copy and paste” of the previous one.
Yauco was unable to hold onto set point at 24–22 after back-to-back middle attacks by Michael De la Cruz. Corozal rallied to tie the set, forcing extra points after De la Cruz sent a serve long and Ramón Matos capitalized on an overpass by the Cafeteros.
The exchange extended to point 29, when Corozal claimed the set and the match lead. Diego Negrón failed to get the serve over the net and, on the following play, Joseph Oquendo blocked Rattray, who was again attacking from zone two.
In team statistics, Corozal edged Yauco 52–51 in attacks, 13–10 in blocks, and 41–37 in digs. Both teams finished with five service aces, while the Cafeteros led in receptions (52–43) and assists (29–9).
Offensively, the Plataneros were led by Jalen Penrose with 26 points, followed by Spencer Olivier with 18 and Joseph Oquendo with 13. For Yauco, Brandon Rattray contributed 22 points, while veteran middle blocker Jessie Colón added 14.
The series continues Wednesday, January 7, at the Raúl “Pipote” Oliveras Coliseum, home of the Cafeteros de Yauco, for Game 5. The two-time champions Caribes de San Sebastián await the winner to advance to the Final Series.
REMAINING GAMES – SEMIFINAL B
Wednesday, January 7: Corozal at Yauco (8:00 p.m.)
Friday, January 9: Yauco at Corozal (8:00 p.m.)
Sunday, January 11 (if necessary): Corozal at Yauco (7:00 p.m.)
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