Puerto Rico banked on Grace Lopez’s hard-hitting moves to knockout Kenya, 25-20, 25-19, 27-25, and claim a semifinal ticket of 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup opener on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 18-year-old Lopez displayed her offensive prowess in straight set by firing 18 kills and service ace for 19 points to set up the Puerto Ricans for a Saturday semifinal clash between the winner of ongoing Sweden-Belgium match as of press time.
“We had a good start and we’re hoping to get another win in the semifinal,” the opposite spiker Lopez told reporters after the match that lasted one hour and 36 minutes. “We started strong and focus on servings. I think those were the things that helped us.”
Middle blocker Diana Reyes got 10 points on eight attacks and two service aces and Stephanie Rivera contributed nine points — all on attacks — also for the Puerto Ricans.
“It’s really good here in the Philippines. The people are so nice and the food taste so good.”
Kenya, already qualified for the Paris Summer Olympic Games, drew 21 attacks and a block from Pamella Owino but couldn’t get enough help from her teammates.
The tournament is backed by global partner: Mikasa, global suppliers: Gerflor, Senoh, local partners: PLDT, Rebisco, Manila Diamond Hotel, Meralco, MWell, Cignal, Fitness First, Maynilad, and Foton
The knockout tournament Challenger Cup organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by President Ramon “Tats Suzara features eight teams from five continental confederations competing for qualification in the elite FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s next year.
After Saturday’s semifinal, winners will compete for gold on Sunday.
Meanwhile, European Golden League silver medalist Czech Republic, led by outside hitter Michaela Mlejnkova, tests South American Volleyball Confederation’s Argentina at 3 p.m. on Friday.
Coming off a gold medal finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup, Southeast Asia’s No. 1 Vietnam takes on host Alas Pilipinas Women, who bagged bronze in the same tournament, at 6:30 pm.