Hancock ties aces record in USA victory over Cuba

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 4. 2016 – Micha Hancock tied the tournament record of aces in a single match helping United States to take sole possession of first place in Pool B of the XV Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup with a five-set victory over Cuba on Monday night.

The left-handed Hancock recorded 9 aces to lead the 3-2 (19-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-15, 15-7) victory for United States to celebrate their Independence Day. Nicole Brannagh of USA set the record against Puerto Rico on June 27 of 2002 in Mexico in the first edition of the Pan American Cup.

The defending champions improved their win-loss record to 3-0 while Cuba dropped to 2-1.

Alexandra Holston and Rhamat Alhassan were the top scorers for United States with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Madison Kingdon contributed 14 points and Hancock had 11.

Heidy Rodriguez, Sulian Matienzo and Regla Gracia were the main offensive players for Cuba with 17, 15 and 11 points, respectively.

“I just tried to serve hard and it is cool to tie the record,” Hancock said. “We played good defense and the key for us in the fifth set was to keep the opponents on their toes with the variety of our attacks.”

“We had a strong start but could not keep the consistency,” Cuban Matienzo said. “Their setter has a terrific serve and she was the difference.”

“I am very proud of my team which keeps growing up,” USA coach Daniel Fisher said after the match. “Hancock was a difference but also Holston did a great job.”

“We played good volleyball for the first three sets but then our reception couldn’t handle the serves of Hancock and the level of the attacks of our opposite (Rodriguez) was not the same.”