Puerto Rico booked the first trip to the Finals of the 2024 FIVB Women's Challenger Cup.
First to the FIVB Women's Challenger Cup Finals are Puerto Rico after eliminating the error-prone Belgium in straight sets, 25-19, 25-15, and 25-16 in their semifinal clash at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, July 6.
Everything just went right for the Puerto Ricans, who enjoyed a 41-26 attacking edge and a 4-1 lead in total aces, all while capitalizing on the 28 errors committed by the Belgians throughout the match.
More importantly, Puerto Rico are now off to their first-ever title game in the tournament after bronze medal finishes in 2018 and 2022, needing one more win to advance to the Volleyball Nations League next year.
Lefty Paola Santiago took charge on offense with a team-high 13 points, including 12 attacks and an ace. Grace Lopez added for 10 markers--all in attacks-- for Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Ricans raced to a whipping 9-2 start in the final set, before the Belgians came alive and trimmed the lead to a single point at 15-16.
But the Carribean squad banked on Lopez and a 9-1 run to complete a stunning sweep.
Puerto Rico sustained their opening-set win thanks to a strong 11-4 start and never looked back, as Valeria Leon’s ace gave her squad a commanding 2-0 set lead.
Earlier, Belgium opened an early 4-1 lead in the first set, but Puerto Rico regrouped to snatch the upper hand at 12-9 after a Neira Ortiz quick hit midway through the match.
A 4-0 Puerto Rican run broke the deadlock at 18-all before the world no. 15 squad took the opening set after the Belgian’s, who had 12 errors early, misfired on another attacking opportunity.
On the other hand, Pauline Martin top scored for Belgium with nine points, who beat Sweden in straight sets in the opening match yesterday.