PUERTO Rico humbled Olympic-bound Kenya yesterday, scoring a 25-20, 25-19, 27-25 victory in the knockout quarterfinals of the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Opposite hitter Grace Lopez, 18, had 19 points as Puerto Rico, champion in the NORCECA Final Four last year, swept it way to the semifinals.
Middle blocker Diana Reyes also chipped in 10 points while outside hitter Stephanie Rivera added nine for the Caribbean team.
Puerto Rico, ranked world No. 15, will face world No. 13 Belgium or No. 24 Sweden in the do-or-die semis this Saturday at the same venue.
“It’s really good. We had a good start and I hope we win anew on Saturday,” Lopez said. “Before the game, we talked that we needed to start strong, and I think that’s the thing that helped us win.”
Kenya’s bid was brought down by 23 unforced errors.
Opposite spiker Pamella Owino had 22 points for Kenya.
The Czech Republic and Argentina tussle for a spot in the semifinals at 3 p.m. today while Alas Pilipinas takes on Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam in the main game at 6:30.
The winner of the tourney will be promoted to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Nations League.
