USA qualifies to semifinals with unbeaten 5-0 mark

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 6, 2016 – United States earned a semifinal berth at the XV Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by dominating the Pool B with an undefeated 5-0 win-loss record following a straight-set 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-23) victory over Argentina on Wednesday night.

Argentina finished with a 3-2 record good for third place in the pool and a spot in the quarterfinals.

Madison Kingdon and Rhamai Alhassan were the offensive leaders for the American side with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Micha Hancock, Megan Courtney and Alexandra Holston contributed 9 points each in the victory. Yael Castiglione and Tanya Acosta finished with 5 points apiece as the top scorers for the defeated side.

United States outscored Argentina 11-5 in blocks and 9-2 in aces with Hancock adding 6 more aces to her Pan American Cup record now at 37.

“The key for us was the reception as we were able to set up our fast game,” said Daniel Fisher, coach of USA. “When we can play fast it is difficult to defend against us. I think (Madison) Kindon played her best game of the tournament so far.”

“Argentina is not playing well and our level of concentration is low at this moment,” said Guillermo Orduna. “We are going through a lot of ups and downs and playing erratic volleyball.”