SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 26, 2024. – Gregory Torres Cruzado, outside hitter for the Guaynabo Mets, was named “Rookie of the Year” for the 2024 season in the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation (FPV).
Torres Cruzado, 20 years old and standing 6’4”, led the 2024 Values of the Year voting for this award with 60 votes.
“Wow, you just made my day,” Gregory said after receiving the call notifying him of his accomplishment. He added, “I’m super grateful to the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, the management of the Guaynabo Mets for giving me the chance to be on the team, and to represent the city of Guaynabo with great pride.”
Gregory also expressed his gratitude to his fans for their support and affection from day one. “I wish my father were here to see me achieve things like this,” he shared, referencing the recent loss of his father due to a heart attack. “I have a lot to say, but I dedicate this to my family and to my father, who, even though he’s not here, I know is watching over me. My heart is racing,” Gregory concluded.
In 61 sets, Gregory Torres Cruzado recorded 171 attacks, 16 blocks, and 16 aces, totaling 203 points, with an average of 3.33 points per set.
Cafeteros de Yauco’s setter, Eli Irizarry, came in second in the voting with 41 votes, followed by Enger Mieses from the Caribes de San Sebastián with 23 votes.
Ignacio Aldevol of the Mayagüez Indians took fourth place with 11 votes, while Alejandro Irizarry (Gigantes de Adjuntas) and Antonio Elías (Mets de Guaynabo) both received 8 votes for fifth place.
Other players receiving votes included Derwin Tapia (Carolina Giants), Diego Negrón (Cafeteros de Yauco), Diego Rosich (Cafeteros de Yauco), Javier Gómez (Mayagüez Indians), Sebastián Obrador (Mayagüez Indians), and William Rivera (Adjuntas Giants).
Gregory Torres and the Guaynabo Mets secured first place in the regular season of the Metro Division with a 15-5 record and 45 points. In the quarterfinals, they currently lead their series 2-0 against the Mayagüez Indians, needing only one more win to advance to the semifinals.
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