USA Team power past Honduras

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 24, 2014 - Defending champions United States displayed a lot of power while brushing aside Honduras 3-0 (25-8, 25-9, 25-8) in their debut at the Girls’ U-18 NORCECA Championship on Tuesday.

With a better structured game, the Americans faced no resistance from the Central American team.  United States put Honduras under pressure with their strong services.

A great superiority from United States was evident in their stats against Honduras as they held a 33-5 advantage in spikes, 8-0 in blocking and 16-0 in serves.

Topping USA’s scorers was spiker Milan Stokes with 14 points, including 7 service points and 2 blocks; she was followed by setter Kathryn Plummer with 9 points.

“The whole team is just getting adjusted and we’re trying to embrace the atmosphere of playing a NORCECA Continental Championship. The team still needs to figure out some things to play our best,” said USA’s captain Kathryn Plummer.

“We tried to play our best but our nervousness and lack of concentration took over. Just facing a team like USA is a wonderful experience for us and hopefully we can improve our own game,” said Miriam Lobo, Captain of Honduras.

For James Stone II, USA Head Coach, two things were done well today. “First our service was effective and we were able to put pressure, and second our blocking line performed well. This is the first international experience for the players and with only one week of training there’s a lot to improve”.

“I believe the team handled things much better than I did, it’s our first international major event. This is my first time as head coach and I’m still figuring things out with the big responsibility I’m facing. There’s much to analyze before tomorrow’s match against Mexico,” said Catarine Lizeth.