United States moves into U20 Pan Am Cup Semifinals

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, May 11, 2017.- United States moved into the U20 Women’s Pan American semifinals after defeating Uruguay 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-17) on Thursday night at Gimnasio Nacional of San Jose, Costa Rica.

United States is bidding for the only berth reserved for the top ranked finisher of Norceca, to qualify to the FIVB age-group World Championship. Semifinals are expected to be challenging as United States will face Cuba.

United States held advantage in kills by 39-23; they outblocked Uruguay with 9-2 margin and scored 5 aces while Uruguay had 2. The winners finished with 19 unforced errors and benefited from 22 of Uruguay.

All players on both squads had a chance to perform, with middle Brionne Butler leading United States with eight points, the same as Elizabeth Hall. Uruguay’s Camila Bausero scored a match-high of 9 points.

Uruguay will play for fifth place against Peru.

Jerritt Elliott, United States’ Head Coach: “The team is getting into a better rhythm, I have a great group of players and I had little time to choose the best line-up possible and today I put everyone to play. This has made my decisions harder and I tried to put the best team forward to try to qualify. Against Cuba we’ll jump as high and hard as we can; obviously it will be challenging, we have much respect for them and we’re looking forward to the opportunity”.

Khalia Lanier, United States’ captain: “We did a good job, everyone got the chance to prove themselves and show how good a team we could be. As a team we are very deep, even the girls on the bench are always ready to do their job. We will have to scout our opponent really well and focus on our performance”.

Florencia Suarez, Uruguay’s captain: “We were expecting a difficult match, United States ia a world power in volleyball and it was a challenge for us. On occasions we played like equals using our “charrua” heart on the court”.

Gerardo Peralta, Uruguay’s Head Coach: “I am really proud of my players, they did a good job and today we showed our real game. This is the first time ever facing United States and I want to congratulate my players for their wonderful performance”.