The largest Pan Am Cup crowd (2,950) to date gathered at the Bank United Center to watch the two titans of pool A. As undefeated USA (4-0) faced off against Puerto Rico (4-0). The players on both teams knew that they were involved in the marquee match of pool play.
Set 1.
From the beginning of the set both teams were charged with energy as each team tried to match the other point for point. The game was tied at 2-2, 4-4, then Puerto Rico went on a small run but before they could take a commanding lead the U.S. team came roaring back to tie the game once again at 10-10, 11-11.
A monster shot by Kristin Richards-#10 gave the U.S a lead that they would not relinquish. The front line of Scott-Arruda-#2 and Nancy Metcalf-#12 took over the game as the U.S. asserted itself at the net. The U.S. went on a 14-4 run to take the first set 25-15.
Set 2.
Where the first set was almost two different games in one. An extremely close hard fought match to 11 then a laugher the rest of the way. Set 2 was a hard fought match throughout. The game was tied from 9-9 to 15-15 as chants of USA, USA were met with chants for Puerto Rico. Jordan Larson-#11 had several service points as the U.S. just took the set 25-20.
Set 3.
Puerto Rico raced to an early lead of 5-1 only to be (you guessed it) tied again this time from 8-8 to 15-15 with long lasting volleys where players lay out in full extensions and refuse to let the ball hit the ground as the crown cheered for both teams. Later the game was tied at 20-20, 22-22 to 24-24. Now the crowd is in a frenzy. U.S. fans want the team to put Puerto Rico away. The Puerto Rican fans wanted their team to be the first in this tournament to beat the U.S. at least for one set.
Local FIU star Yarimar Rosa-#6, playing for Puerto Rico served up point 25. She followed that up with a beautiful jump serve that started an amazing volley that seemed to last fore-ever. Then out of nowhere Sarai Alvarez-#5 jumped near the end of the court and hit a bullet to end the game and give the U.S. it's first lost set.
Set 4.
I was sure that the U.S. team was going to come out and avenge it's recent set loss. Just as I expected the U.S. started the game with an early lead only to be tied again at 8-8. The game stayed close throughout with the last tie coming at 20-20. On this night the U.S. team had the perfect vision of staying focused and winning the forth set 25-23.
Overall this was an impressive win from a U.S. team that was recently put together with a new coach and "several players that haven't played together" said,Coach McCutcheon.
“Congratulations to USA for its well-organized play,” Puerto Rico Head Coach Carlos Cardona said. “The game was very emotional and exciting.”
Top Performers:
USA: Kristin Richards and Jordan Larson contributed matching 18 points for the U.S. in the victory, while Nancy Metcalf added 17 points. Danielle Scott-Arruda chipped in 10 points for Team USA.
Puerto Rico:Puerto Rico was led by Aurea Cruz’s match-high 21 points, while Sarai Alvarez added 15 points. Yarimar Rosa charted 10 points off the bench.
Key Stat: U.S Stood Tall - The U.S team attempted 57 blocks to Puerto Ricos 41. The U.S Blocked 13 shots to Puerto Rico's 4.
Interesting Stat: Their were 29 ties in the four matches.
U.S. (5-0), as the winner of Pool A, earns an automatic berth into the semifinal round on July 3. In addition, the Americans earned a berth in to the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix with the victory and semifinal berth (top three NORCECA teams in Pan American Cup earn berths). With the loss, Puerto Rico finishes second in Pool A with a 4-1 record and will play in the quarterfinal round versus Pool B’s third-place team on July 2.
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