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LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 12, 2022.-
United States claimed the gold medal of the
sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American
Cup over Argentina 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-22,
25-14) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
United States finished undefeated with a 5-0
record. This is the second title for the United
States in the history of the event, also beating
Argentina in the 2017 edition. United States
also qualified to the 2023 FIVB World
Championship as one of the two top finishers
from NORCECA.
Argentina ended with a 4-2 record (both losses
to USA), winning their third silver medal (2015,
2017).
United States led 53-42 in attacks while
Argentina held advantages in blocks (12-9) and
points from serves (6-5). United States
committed 21 errors and Argentina 30.
Opposite hitter Merritt Beason topped the U.S.
scorers with 17 points on 14 kills and three
blocks, joined by middle blockers Rebekah Allick
and Breanna Kelley with 14 and 10 points
respectively.
Argentina’s leading attacker was outside hitter
Milena Margaria with 17 points and opposite
hitter Valentina Vaulet added 13 points.
Daniel Fisher, Head Coach of United States:
“We are really happy for the win. I think the
girls were feeling a little tense for a while,
but we worked through it and settled down in our
reception. We also got some nice energy from
players coming off the bench and ended the
fourth set playing good volleyball. Argentina is
very good and put a lot of stress on us with
their serves, but that’s what good teams do”.
Rebekah Allick, Middle blocker of United States:
“Going into the third set after losing the
second, our minds were set on working hard,
focus on the controllable and loving hard on
each other because we are all so competitive,
independent strong women that uplift one
another. When I’m given the opportunity, I
always take advantage, everyone gets their
moments, I’m on a great team”. |
