By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Puerto Rico dispatched Kenya, 25-20, 25-19, 27-25, to become the first time to barge into the semifinals of the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, July 4.
The Puerto Ricans, who are last year’s 2023 NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) Final Four Champions, overcame the late rallies of the Kenyans to barge into the Final Four of the tournament staking a berth in next year’s Volleyball Nations League.
Grace Mar Lopez Villanueva spearheaded Puerto Rico’s charge with 19 points including 18 attacks, while middle blocker Diana Reyes also sizzled with 10 points built on eight kills and two aces.
Puerto Rico’s triumph overshadowed the efforts of Pamela Adhiambo Owino, who carried the fight for Kenya throughout by unloading 22 points to no avail.
Owino was also the lone double-digit scorer for Kenya, which earned a berth in the tournament as the highest-ranked team in the African Volleyball Confederation.
Puerto Rico leaned on its hard serves by firing seven aces — three from Wilmarie Rivera — while also posting 45 attacks.
They also took advantage of Kenya’s erratic plays by gaining 23 points.
