USA advance to collision with Brazil

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 19, 2012 – USA sealed a spot in the gold medal match of the XI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by defeating Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 24-26, 25-16) on Thursday.

USA’s Nancy Metcalf and Kristin Richards totaled 25 and 20 points while Jennifer Tamas and Lauren Gibbemeyer chipped in with 10 apiece. Dominican Republic’s Sidarka Nuñez had 19 and Bethania De la Cruz charted 11 tallies.

The Americans held a 16-10 advantage in the blocking category with Tamas registering 5 and Metcalf and Alicia Glass 4 apiece.

“USA and Dominican Republic always play tough matches and today was not different,” USA’s captain Stacy Sykora said. “They are one of the strongest teams in the world. We are happy with the victory but have to put it in the past and focus on the future.”

“The blocking of USA was the key for the victory,” Dominican Prisilla Rivera commented. “Also they played great defense. Tomorrow we will try to get the bronze medal.”

“It was another tough battle with Dominican Republic,” USA’s Reed Sunahara said. “We are happy with the victory for this team that I am sure has some future Olympians in four years. I wish Dominican Republic the best in the Olympics.”

“It is very difficult to comment after a match so intense,” Dominican Republic’s coach Marcos Kwiek said. “We have to forget about it and make some adjustments. We hope to take home the bronze medal.”