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PRESS RELEASE 28/06/2009


Brazil blocked the road to Argentina

MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.- Brazil defeated Argentina in Pool B third day of action in the Eighth Pan American Cup, but it was not an easy victory as the Olympic champions had to battle hard against their South American neighbors before prevailing by score of 26-24, 18-25, 25-13, 25-18.

After their slow start the Brazilians went into their usual rhythm and dominated the Argentineans for the last two sets. The Beijing gold medalists outscored their counterparts 23-4 in the blocking department for the match.

Sheila Castro led four Brazilians in double-figures in scoring with 15 points. Thaisa Menezes added 12 including five blocks, Welissa Gonzaga also produced 12 points, Fabiana Claudino chipped in 11 with three blocks and Natalia Pereira contributed nine with four blocks.

Georgina Pinedo and Lucia Fresco topped the Argentinean scoring with 15 and 10 points respectively.

“Argentina played very well during the first two sets,” said Roberto Guimaraes, the Brazilian coach. “Once we found stability in our serves, our blocking took care and we played with more calm.”

“For the first two sets we maintained a good level with intensity and precision,” said Argentinean coach Horacio Bastit. “From the third set on, it was a different game with Brazil establishing sensational blocking. That was the difference.”

 

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