SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 11, 2005.- USA crushed Mexico in less than one hour by score of 25-13, 25-21, 25-8 and share with Canada and Cuba the lead in Pool B of the Pan American Cup.

Cuba rested its star players and still routed Barbados 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-15) for its second victory in as many outings. Canada beat Jamaica in straight sets by 25-20, 25-11, 25-13.

Elisha Thomas and Nancy Metcalf led the Americans with 13 and 12 points respectively and Patrice Arrington and Jane Collymore each had 9.

“I expected more consistency from my players but they were overconfident in the second set,” said Lang Ping, the USA coach. “We are trying to reach a point of team-work mixing the young with the veteran players.”

Rachel Sanchez led Cuba with 20 points, including 8 aces, and Kenia Carcaces added 5 aces and totaled 12 points.

“I am very proud of the way our second team played,” said Luis Felipe Calderon, coach of Cuba. “We came here looking for the first place but for respect to the rest of the teams I don’t like to make predictions.”

Once again Emely Cordonier was the top scorer for the North Americans with 15 points. Jamaica fell to 0-2.

“I am very satisfied with the reaction of my team after the first set,” said Lorne Sawula, the Canadian coach. “Jamaica played good in the first set presenting good battle.”