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MORELIA, Mexico, September 27, 2015.- Defending champions United
States defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-13) at the
Women’s NORCECA Continental Championship opening match on Sunday
at Bicentenario Auditorium in Morelia, Michoacan.
In Pool A, United States dominated the Central American team
leading in spikes (31-22), blocks (9-6) and aces (10-2). United
States scored on 25 errors of Costa Rica and committed 13.
Middle Blocker Foluke Akinradewo led USA with 10 points, while
Middle Blocker Rachael Adams and Outside Hitter Kelsey Robinson
contributed with 8 points apiece. Tatiana Sayles, Mijal Hines
and Evelyn Sibaja led Costa Rica with 6 points each.
On Monday, pool play continues with United States facing Canada
and Costa Rica against Cuba.
Captain Alisha Glass of USA said “first of all we are happy to
be playing here at our region’s tournament. We now every match
faces a different challenge and we are looking forward to the
tournament. Today Costa Rica pushed with difficult serves and
had us working harder, they showed good attitude on the court”.
Captain Irene Fonseca of Costa Rica said “it’s not easy scoring
against United States, so every time we were able to do so it
gave us more confidence. I want to congratulate United States
because they never made us feel an inferior team”.
United States Coach Karch Kiraly indicated “there is always
something to improve in every performance and our goal is
getting better. Costa Rica had good serves and defense, and I
really liked their competitive spirit. We always think about our
own side of the net no matter who we face”.
“I want to congratulate USA. It is always difficult beginning a
tournament and on this occasion it was against the top team in
the world, so our strategy was not letting them get ahead early
in each set, asking for time outs to maintain our team’s good
attitude. USA is clearly physically, technically and tactically
superior than us” said Coach Braulio Godinez of Costa Rica. |
