United States join the semifinals

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 11, 2018 – United States joined the semifinals of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup playing text- book game against Colombia in their quarterfinals match on Wednesday.

The Americans only needed 1 hour and 9 minutes to dispatch Colombia 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-17) with four players scoring in double digits led by Aiyana Abukusomo-Whitey with 20 points. The victory earned USA a ticket to the Pan Am Games next year.

Chiaka Ogbogu and Haley Washington each contributed 11 points in the victory while Adora Anae added 10 points. Dayana Segovia was the best Colombian with 6 points.

The United States outscored Colombia in attacks 39-21, blocks 14-6 and aces 8-1.

Lauren Carlini, captain of United States: We played real well. It is winning time. We are in the medal round after playing clean volleyball.

Maria Marin, captain of Colombia: We couldn’t control their serves and they played almost perfect. Tomorrow is another day and there is still hope to qualify to the Pan Am Games here.

Jonathan Newman-Gonchar, coach of United States: We put a lot of pressure with our serves. We knew that we were going to have our hands full against Colombia and their good setter.

Antonio Rizola, coach of Colombia: They played almost without errors and with a good blocking structure. Their serves had a good quality.