Puerto Rico erupts in celebration after defeating Belgium in the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Puerto Rico finally got a chance to win the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) gold medal after defeating Belgium 25-19, 25-15, 25-16 in the knockout semifinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday.
After having to settle for bronze medals in 2018 and 2022, the new-generation Puerto Rican team has reached the VCC final for the first time, moving one step closer to qualifying for its first Volleyball Nations League appearance next year by facing the winner of the semi-final between the Czech Republic and Vietnam later that day.
Paola Santiago and Grace Lopez scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, to lead Puerto Rico against an undermanned Belgium team without stars Britt Helbots and Silke van Avermaet.
Read: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico beats Kenya to reach semifinals
“I feel great, I’ve been training for this all summer and I’m ready for tomorrow’s final,” said the 18-year-old Lopez, who has been a sensation at VCC Manila ahead of the final match at 6.30pm on Sunday.
Lopez, who recorded nine digs, believed that his team’s floor defense, serving and attack were key to its success, as it outscored Belgium by a 41-26 spike margin.
“I was focused from the beginning. My serve, defense and attack were good, and I think that’s what led to the victory,” she said.
Read: FIVB Challenger Cup: Czech Republic beats Argentina to reach semifinals
Stephanie Rivera had seven points and 11 digs, while setter Wilmarie Rivera had two points plus 15 sets and 17 digs.
No Belgian player scored in double figures and they committed a total of 28 errors, but Pauline Martin led the team with nine points.
Belgium will play the loser of the other semi-final opponent for the bronze medal.
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