United States wins pool B to advance into semifinals

NOGALES, Mexico, May 26, 2023.- United States won pool B after defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-9) to move into the U21 Women’s NORCECA Pan American Cup semifinals in Nogales, Mexico.

United States reached the semifinals undefeated 3-0 , semifinals are scheduled for Saturday.

Costa Rica finished pool-play 1-2 and waits the result between Dominican Republic and Guatemala for their final position in pool B.

The Americans overpowered Costa Rica 41-14 in kills, 13-1 in blocks and 6-0 in serves. United States committed 13 unforced errors and Costa Rica a total of 15.

USA’s middle blocker Marianna Singletary scored a match-high of 13 points on 8 kills, three blocks and two aces. Also contributing to the win were outside hitters Mckenna Wucherer and Chloe Chicoine with 9 and 8 points respectively.

Angelica Rodriguez led Costa Rica with 4 points.

Marianna Singletary, top scorer of United States: “We felt great on the court, every girl here deserves to be on the team, we are a great family and we just focused on being consistent; if we play our best, play calm we can take on any opponent. We have really good defense and offense all around, as well as serving pressure. We are coming out to play hard in the next matches”.

Nicole Mata, setter of Costa Rica: “Our goal is to reach quarterfinals. We knew this was going to be a hard match and we needed to stabilize the team, take care of the load if we get to play tonight. United States is superior, we did our best, but they outpower us tactically and technically as well. Not everyday you have the chance to face teams at this level and we must make the most of it”.