Victory for the United States against Costa Rica in the opening of the XX Women's Pan American Cup in Ponce

Victory for the United States against Costa Rica in the opening of the XX Women's Pan American Cup in Ponce

PONCE, PUERTO RICO, August 6, 2023.- The United States began the XX Senior Women's Volleyball Pan American Cup with a quick victory against Costa Rica in three sets (25-12, 25-12, 25-17) on Sunday at Juan Juan “Pachín” Vicens in Ponce.

The United States offense made itself felt from the beginning of the game and had three players in double figures to get the important victory. Mims Taylor was the top scorer with 17 points (13 attacks, 4 blocks); Logan Eggleston with 14 points (13 attacks, one ace); and Danielle Hart with 13 points (8 attacks, 3 blocks, 2 aces).

The Americans made nine blocks against two by Costa Rica. In serves, the United States dominated 5-1.

For Costa Rica, Tatiana Sayles Marín was the best scorer with 11 points (11 on kills) and Marcela Ayara with six (6 on kills).

The United States will face Peru tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. and Costa Rica, will face Canada at 2:00 p.m.

Costa Rica will face Canada tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. and the United States will play Peru at 4:00 p.m.

Brad Rostratter, Coach of United States of America: “It's good to start off the tournament that way and to have our team come in and play well. And we definitely had some jitters and started the first set, so it was nice to get settled. We really were just focused on ourselves and how we're playing and us. In continuity together. And that's our focus throughout. Tomorrow, we got Peru. So we gotta watch some video prepare, watch ourselves and and upgrade some things”.

Sarah Wilhite Parsons, Captain of United States of America: “I think overall it was a great win. Costa Rica brings a lot of different things at us and I think we did a good job of managing it and just staying together as a team. But it was my first time playing against Costa Rica and I think that they challenged us in a lot of ways and it was a fun match”.

Pablo Acuña, Coach of Costa Rica: “Pablo Acuña, Coach of Costa Rica: “We had no information about this team playing together. We knew of some individuals. It was a difficult start. We were adapting set by set, getting to know the opponent a little more. We told the players that focus was what we could control. Set by set we gave more competition to the United States. We took a step forward, but there is still a lot to improve."