USA score first victory over Colombia

PACHUCA, Mexico, June 11, 2014 – Two-time defending champions United States started with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 30-28) in the opening match of Pool B in the XIII Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at Multisport Carlos Martinez Balmori.

The Americans faced their toughest moment in the third set when the opponents evened up the score at 20-all and battled point by point before succumbing against a rival with better rhythm and outstanding blocking (16-14).

Middle-blockers TeTori Dixon and Chloe Ferrari were very active and contributed the most points to the victory with 12 and 11, respectively. For Colombia, Danna Escobar had 11 tallies and Yeisy Soto added 10.

U.S. Captain, who plays in Italy: “I have to praise the South Americans since in the past few years they have presented excellent teams, very competitive and strong. The venue is pretty.”

U.S. Coach Jamie Morrison: “I am elated starting with a victory in three sets against a very fast opponent. We are very happy.”

María Alejandra Marín, Captain of Colombia: “Our team has been working for the last two years and we hope to improve our technique as we prepare for the U-22 South American Championships and this is a good preparation.”

Mauro Marasciulo, Coach of Colombia: “It is very important to play a close match against contenders like the Americans. They are evidently a team with higher level with players who play overseas, so I am satisfied.”