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LIMA, Peru, June 20, 2015 – United States dispatched Cuba in
straight sets 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-22) on Saturday afternoon at
Eduardo Dibos Coliseum booking a ticket to the gold medal match
of the XIV Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup.
The Americans topped their opponents in attacks (47-37), blocks
(11-6) and service winners (5-4). Both teams committed 12
unforced errors.
Erika Vansant led USA with 19 points seconded by Kristin
Hildebrand with 11 points. Lauren Paolini and Cursty Jackson
each contributed nine in the victory.
Cuban Melissa Vargas finished with 19 points, including two more
aces to establish the new record for the tournament with 27,
while Jennifer Alvarez added 13.
The United States will play in the decisive match against the
winners of the other semifinal between defending champions
Dominican Republic and Argentina.
Krista Vansant, top scorer of USA: “It was a good test for our
team. It was a tough match for USA as Cuba owns a very good
service game. They took the lead in the third set but our
defense responded very well.”
David Hunt, coach of USA: “It was a good performance from my
team on the court. We had to come out strong against Cuba and
they did that. Things got complicated in the third set but we
were able to answer back.”
Sulian Matienzo, captain of Cuba: “They are a more experienced
team than us and play together. They received all our balls and
our blocking failed too much.”
Roberto Garcia, coach of Cuba: “I think the USA team did a very
good job, but especially the setter as she was the difference in
the match. She hurt us with her setting avoiding our blocking,
but I am satisfied. Tomorrow we will be back with more against
the loser between Argentina and Dominican Republic.” |
