LIMA, Peru, September 9, 2009 – Defending
champions Brazil opened the II Final Four Cup of
Women’s Volleyball in dramatic fashion by
prevailing in a five-set battle against USA by
score of 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, 19-25, 15-13.
Welissa “Sassá” Gonzalez led Brazil with 16
points and Regiane Bidias added 14. American
Nancy Metcalf led all the scorers with 18 points
and Cynthia Barboza tallied 15 points.
Brazil dominated the first set without
difficulties and it appeared like it was going
to be an easy task, but the Americans reacted
and took the next set starting a seesaw match.
“The girls played a good game, but I think it
was an erratic match from both teams. We had a
great first set, but then we made mistakes.
United States is a good team and managed to make
the adjustments”, said Paulo Barros, the coach
of Brazil.
Meanwhile, Hugh McCutcheon, the coach of USA
commented that the match was like he expected.
“Brazil is a great team and we all know its
level. They played very well in the first set
and despite our adjustments they could come back
to take control. Now we are going to prepare the
strategy against Peru for tomorrow.”
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