SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 16, 2005.- Brazil and USA advanced to the semifinals of the Pan American Cup with victories over Canada and Puerto Rico. The Brazilians now will face Cuba and USA will meet hosts Dominican Republic on Friday.

Brazil won in straight sets by score of 25-14, 25-20, 25-16, while the Americans overcame a one set deficit to win 24-26, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20.

Fernanda Rodrigues was the leading scorer of the Brazilians with 13 points followed by Michelle Pavao and Suelle Oliveira with 9 and 8 points respectively. Emely Cordonier with 12 and Lisa Raymond with 10 led the attack of Canada.

Nancy Metcalf led USA with 22 points and Jane Collymore and Jennifer Joines each had 14. For Puerto Rico, Aury Cruz had 18 and Jetzabell del Valle 13.

“We forced the Canadian errors and took advantage of them,” said Antonio Rizola, the Brazilian coach. “I am not completely satisfied with our performance but after getting the victory now we need to do is correct our serves and receptions mistakes.”

“I am very happy after qualifying for next year Grand Prix and this is a great experience for our young players,”said Lang Ping, the USA coach. “The veterans Lindsey Berg and Nancy Metcalf have been of great help for the rest of the team.”

In other matches, Argentina defeated Barbados 3-0 (25-9, 25-13, 25-13) in the match for the ninth position and Costa Rica beat Jamaica 3-0 (25-7, 25-15, 25-11) to finish in the eleventh place.

Antonela Bortolozzi was the best scorer for Argentina with 14 points while Verania and Angela Willis had 15 and 10 points respectively in the triumph of Costa Rica.