USA claims ticket to 2012 World Grand Prix

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 7, 2011 – United States earned a ticket to the 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix as they completed the list of semifinalist teams of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup following its 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-19) victory over Argentina on Thursday night.

Foluke Akinradewo scored 15 points, including 6 blocks, to carry the American side to the victory. Megan Hodge added 10 as the winners out blocked their rivals 12 to 3. Lucia Fresco had 10 points for Argentina.

“It was a nice match,” American Jennifer Joyner-Tamas said. “Argentina has great servers and it made hard for us to receive. Fortunately our block and defense were there and that was the difference.”

“I am very happy with the qualification to the Grand Prix because that was our main goal,” USA Coach Hugh McCutcheon said. “We made some changes after the match against Brazil and things were better for us. I agree with our captain that blocking and defense were the keys for us tonight.”

“It was clearly our toughest match,” Argentinean Georgina Pinedo said. “USA is a very good tactically and technically and also very consistent.”

“Of all the teams we have faced this one really overwhelmed us,” Argentina’s coach Horacio Bastit said. “We couldn’t play as well as we did in our previous matches. Our goal continues to be winning the ticket to the Grand Prix and the match against Peru will be decisive.”