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TORONTO, Canada, July 20, 2015 – Brazil finished with the upper
hand in a terrific five-set duel with the United States to
decide Pool B first place at the women’s volleyball tournament
of the Pan American Games winning 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 18-25,
25-22, 15-11) at Toronto Exhibition Center on Monday night.
The victory earned the defending champions Brazilians a 3-0
win-loss record and a direct ticket to the semifinals while the
USA team had to settle for a berth in the quarterfinals with a
2-1 mark.
It was the second five-set victory in three outings for the
Brazilians who had edged Puerto Rico going up to the limit in
opening day.
Brazil outscored USA in blocks 19-14 and in aces 5-0, while the
defeated side held the advantage in attacks 69-50 but allowed 31
points via unforced errors, ten more than the winners.
Adenizia Silva and Fernanda Rodrigues finished with 19 and 17
points, respectively, as Brazilian top scorers, while Joyce
Silva and Rosa Montibeller contributed 10 and 9 in the win.
Krista Vansant led five USA players with double digits in the
scores with 20 points. Kristin Hildebrand and Nicole Fawcett had
16 and 15 points, respectively, while Michele Bartsch and
Rachael Adams finished with 11 and 10 points.
Ze Roberto, Coach of Brazil: “It was a very well balanced match.
USA show a big game based in their speed. They were so fast, so
we had to move on to mount a better block and defense. We did
not play with Jaque, because she had a light pulled muscle, so
we decided to give her some rest. This is the kind of matches
these girls need to play to mature and through adversity and to
grow up technically and tactically. We have to go step by step
and our next goal is the semifinal.”
Fernanda Garay, Player of Brazil: “There were some ups and downs
during the match. We must think in working harder. This is a
group composed of very young and talented girls who look for an
opportunity and want to contribute with the team. I’m glad for
it.”
Mariana Costa, Player of Brazil: “The first set was too tense.
We had no concentration, so we had to focus to improve and do
what we had to do in terms on pass and defense, so things went
easier for us.”
Daniel Fisher, Coach of USA: “They (Brazil) started to play
better defense. They were a stronger team at the net had more
blocks than us. They did a better job in serving and passing. We
have to study and look to some video and decide later what we
have to adjust and improve. Congratulations right now to Brazil
for playing a great match”.
Cassidy Litchman, Player of USA: “I think we are both strong
teams. We had some ups and downs today. They got on top in the
end. I think we can be more consistent and we had a few balls we
hesitated on. I think that
the pass and serve
game is the way you can win the
set. And at some
point of this tournament hopefully will get on top the next
time”.
Kristin Lynn Hildebrand, Captain of USA: “I’ve had the chance to
play in Brazil with a bunch of players like them. I know
Angelica and some other. It’s been great to see them and play
here. It was a big battle against them and we knew it was going
to be hard”. |
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