Micha Hancock serves USA to a 3-0 victory

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 2, 2016 – Micha Hancock fired eight aces to carry United States to a 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 27-25) victory over Peru in Pool B of the XV Women’s Pan American Cup on Saturday.

Hancock, who did not start in any of the three sets, finished one ace short of tying the tournament’s record established by compatriot Nicole Brannagh with 9 against Puerto Rico in the first edition of the event in 2002 in Mexico.

Rhamat Alhassan was the top scorer for USA with 12 points, followed by Madison Kingdon with 10. Hancock and Nikki Taylor each contributed 8 points.

Peru’s Angela Leyva led all the players in the match with 16 points while teammates Carla Rueda and Maguilaura Frias finished with 10 points apiece.

“We didn’t have time to study this young American team and we tried our best,” said Peru’s Mirtha Uribe. “I think their high blocking was the difference.”

“We went out to play volleyball since we didn’t have information about Peru,” USA’s Megan Courtney said. “We are very proud to represent our country in this competition.”

“Hancock was the difference,” said Mauro Marasciulo, coach of Peru. “Also with this kind of young team, USA showed their structure of volleyball, the best in the world.”

“Karch Kiraly wanted to know if Micha Hancock was able to serve at this level and she did it very well,” said Danny Fisher, the USA coach. “Peru has improved as a team since the last time we played them at the Pan Am Games.”