SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 21, 2024.- The runners-up Cangrejeras de Santurce (3-0) won the third game of the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) final series against the Atenienses de Manatí (0-3), standing one win away from capturing the first national title for this franchise.
Santurce dominated the match 25-16, 25-22, and 25-21, at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in Hato Rey on Saturday night.
With the third set tied at 21-21, Andrea Rangel attacked for the point and Santurce’s lead, 22-21. Czech player Helena Havelkova smashed through the Atenienses’ block to put the score at 23-21. A shot from Karla Santos fell outside, giving Cangrejeras the match point at 24-21. And Havelkova secured point 25 and the victory for the capital’s team.
For Santurce, Havelkova was the top scorer with 20 points, including 17 attacks, two blocks, one ace, 13 digs, and 16 passes; McKenzie Adams contributed 11 points, with 10 attacks, one block, nine digs, and 15 passes; Neira Ortiz with nine points, three attacks, and six blocks; and Andrea Rangel with eight points, seven attacks, one block, and seven digs. Setter Carli Lloyd made 27 assists in three sets, 12 digs, and four points, all on attacks. Libero and captain of Santurce, Deborah Seilhammer, made 26 digs and seven passes.
For Manatí, Zoe Weatherington scored 14 points, including 13 attacks, one block, and 13 digs; Karla Santos with eight points, seven attacks, one block, 13 digs, and 19 passes; and Spanish player María Schlegel with eight points, six attacks, one block, one ace, 12 digs, and 12 passes.
The final series will continue on Monday, April 22 at 8:30 p.m. with the fourth game at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu.
Before Saturday’s match started, there was a minute of silence for the eternal rest of the scorer director of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation (FPV), Diana Santiago-Sotomayor, who passed away suddenly this week.
On the other hand, at the end of the match, the final whistle was blown by the main referee Arnaldo Piñero, who officiated his last game after four decades on the local and international volleyball courts. “Grndpa”, affectionately known by all, was congratulated by his colleagues, players, coaches, and other volleyball personalities present at the Clemente.
The final series is broadcasted by WIPR Canal 6, https://wipr.pr/envivo/ and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wiprtv.
FINAL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Sunday, April 14 Manatí (1-3) Santurce
Wednesday, April 17 Santurce (3-2) Manatí
Saturday, April 20 Manatí (0-3) Santurce
Monday, April 22 8:30 p.m. Santurce at Manatí
Wednesday, April 24 8:30 p.m. Manatí at Santurce (If Necessary)
Friday, April 26 8:30 p.m. Santurce at Manatí (If Necessary)
Sunday, April 28 7:00 p.m. Manatí at Santurce (If Necessary) (neutral court)
For more information visit Fedpurvoli.com