Tag: Rico

Czechia sets up Challenger Cup Final vs Puerto Rico for VNL spot

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Czechia celebrates a point against Vietnam during a FIVB Challenger Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — A new Volleyball Nations League participant will debut next year as Czechia and Puerto Rico clash in the gold medal match of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Czechia sent Vietnam crashing with a dominant 25-19, 25-14, 25-19 win in the Challenger Cup knockout semifinal on Saturday.

Gabriela Orvosova poured in 16 points built on 13 kills, two aces, and a block to lead the collective effort of the Czechs, who drew contributions from Helena Havelkova and Ela Koulisiani scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico reaches final for first time

“I’m really happy that we won it was a different style of volleyball [facing Vietnam] so we showed a team effort,” said Orvosova

Katerina Valkova dished out 21 excellent sets as Czechia outwitted Vietnam in spiking, 46-31, while Magdalena Jehlarova led their block party of 13 kills blocks with five to finish with 10 points.

Czechia and Puerto Rico have yet to play in the VNL. They fight for the lone ticket at 6:30 p.m.

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

“I hope we’re gonna play the same volleyball as today like enjoy the game and play as a team. We will see how will it be, we will do video [scouting before the game],” Magdalena Bukovska said.

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen, who erupted for 30 points to eliminate Alas Pilipinas in the quarterfinal, was limited to just 12 points on 12-of-33 attacking clip. Trần Thị Thanh Thúy contributed nine points.

Vietnam, which swept the AVC Challenge Cup, plays in the bronze medal match against Belgium at 3 p.m. on Sunday.



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Puerto Rico reaches final for first time

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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.

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.



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Puerto Rico ousts Kenya, advances to semis

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Puerto Rico celebrates after a win over Kenya in the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. –VOLLEYBALL WORLD

MANILA, Philippines — Grace Lopez lifted Puerto Rico to the semifinal of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup after ousting Kenya, 25-20, 25-19, 27-25, on Thursday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Lopez, the 18-year-old opposite spiker, showed maturity beyond years for the Puerto Ricans to live another day in the four-day qualifier for next year’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

She led the charge with 19 points built on 18 attacks and an ace to advance to the knockout semifinal on Saturday against the winner between Sweden and Belgium scheduled on Thursday evening 

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup

“It’s really good. We had a good start and I hope [on Saturday] we win,” Lopez said. “Before the game, we talked that we have to start strong, put almost every serve in and I think that’s the thing that help us win.”

The young Puerto Rican, who has been enjoying her stay in Manila so far, believes that the trust of her teammates and coaches fuels her to play better for her country and step up even at a young age.

“It feels good. I’ve been working with that [trust] like my whole life, with my parents, the coaches and you know, the discipline and I think that’s what helps me play good,” Lopez said. 

READ: After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

Puerto Rico blew a 24-21 match point advantage in the third set after committing crucial errors that allowed Kenya to save three match points and tie the game at 24-all. Stephanie Rivera came to the rescue to bring back the Puerto Ricans on top but Pamella Adhiambo Owino tied the frame with a down-the-line kill. 

Rivera drilled back-to-back hits to complete the straight-set win to finish with nine points. Diana Reyes chipped in 10 points including two aces, as setter Wilmarie Rivera tossed 25 excellent sets on top of six points off three aces, two attacks, and a block.

Kenya’s Challenger Cup stint ended up with just a game as it is already eliminated from contention.



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Owino was the lone bright spot with 22 points, followed by Belinda Nanjala Barasa, who added nine points.