FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico reaches final for first time

Puerto Rico celebrates after beating Belgium in the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Puerto Rico finally earned a shot at the gold of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) after sweeping Belgium, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16, in the knockout semifinal on Saturday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium,

After settling for bronze in 2018 and 2022, the new breed of Puerto Ricans made their first VCC final, inching a win closer to its maiden Volleyball Nations League appearance next year as they take on the winner of the Czechia-Vietnam semis game later on the day.

Paola Santiago and Grace Lopez carried the cudgels of Puerto Rico with 11 and 10 points, respectively, to pounce on the undermanned Belgium, which missed stars Britt Herbots and Silke Van Avermaet.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico ousts Kenya, advances to semis

“It feels great. We’ve been working all summer for this and now we’re prepared for tomorrow that’s the final,” said the 18-year-old Lopez, who has been sensational in the VCC Manila ahead of their final game on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Lopez, who had nine digs, believed their floor defense, service, and attack as they outplayed the Belgians with a 41-26 spiking disparity were the key to their success.

“We were locked in since the beginning. We had good serves, good defense, good attacks, and I think that’s what made us get the win,” she said.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Czechia sweeps Argentina for semis berth

Stephanie Rivera chipped in seven points and 11 digs, while setter Wilmarie Rivera had 15 excellent sets and 17 digs on top of two points.

No one from Belgium scored in double figures with Pauline Martin leading the way with nine points as they committed a total of 28 errors.

Belgium eyes a bronze medal against the loser of the other semis pairing.