USA twice defeat Brazil in Southern California

LOS ANGELES, United States, July 7, 2014 – The United States claimed victories in the first two contests of the four-match friendly series against Brazil in Southern California during the weekend.

The Americans first won the match at Irvine on Saturday with big contributions from several veteran players and then triumphed on Sunday relying on strong performances provided by a couple of rookies who made their debut with the senior team.

The four-match USA Volleyball Cup shifts to Honolulu with match at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center on July 11 and July 12 at 7 p.m. HT.

United States 3, Brazil 1

In the first match of the series at Brent Event Center on the campus of UC Irvine on July 5, United States won 25-22, 25-27, 25-19, 25-19. Five U.S. players reached double-figure scoring led by Jordan Larson Burbach with 16 points, including two aces and two blocks. Kelly Murphy and Kim Hill charted 15 points each. Foluke Akinradewo chipped in 14 points including a team-high three blocks. Lauren Gibbemeyer added 10 points with two blocks.

Brazil’s Fe Garay tallied a team-high 16 points, while Sheilla totaled 11 points.

United States 3, Brazil 0

Alix Klineman and Kelsey Robinson combined for 35 points in leading the second-ranked U.S. Women’s National Team to a 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 victory on Sunday evening at the Galen Center on the campus of University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Klineman turned in a match-high 19 points with three blocks and two aces. Robinson chipped in 13 kills, while adding two blocks and an ace. Lauren Gibbemeyer added eight points, including three blocks. Brazil was led Fe Garay with eight points, while Fabiana and Thaisa pocketed seven points. Team USA out-blocked Brazil 7-1 and held a 6-2 advantage in aces.