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USA reaches final NORCECA U-20 match and FIVB WCH berth in dramatic way

 

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 12, 2014.- USA beat defending champions Dominican Republic in straight sets 25-16, 25-20, 25-18  to reach the final match of the Women’s U-20 NORCECA Continental Championship and takes the last berth available to the 2015 FIVB World Championship.

 

United States had to put up a strong resistance against a fiercely Dominican team to take the win. To take Dominican Republic down, the Americans performed to their highest yet in the tournament as they completed the preliminary round in a comfortable matter. United States will face Cuba for the title, while Dominican Republic plays for the Bronze Medal against Mexico.

 

USA prevailed in the end with a wide 44-28 margin in spikes and 10-5 margin in blocks. In serves, Dominicans topped by only one point 3-2.

 

Middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan was USA’s top scorer with 14 points, also contributing to the winning cause outside hitter Cortney Schwan with 13 points and opposite Hayley Hodson with 10 points. Dominican outside hitter Brayelin Martinez scored 15 points.

 

“We came out with heart and passion, primarily focused on qualifying to the world championship. I think we struggled with our passing in the third set, but our solid blocking and aggressive attacking kept the pressure on them (Dominicans)” said USA’s captain Hayly Hodson.

 

“The team feels sad but we played hard and fighting together as a team. This isn’t over yet, tomorrow we’ll look to win a medal” said Dominican Brayelin Martinez.

 

Coach Thomas Hogan indicated “we achieved our goal to qualify to the 2015 junior world championship. Our serves and blocks helped us out of difficult situations during the match, we look to learn and improve from today’s performance. Tomorrow we look to compete with Cuba and have fun playing”.