Sunday June 28th was yet another great day of International Volleyball. Below is a Recap of this days great Volleyball Action.
Pool A at Bank United Center at the University of Miami campus.
Costa Rica (1-2) defeated Guatemala (0-3), 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-21).
Costa Rica was able to notch it's first win against the young Guatemalan team.
Top Performers:
Costa Rica: was paced by Verania Willis-#9 with 18 points, while teammate Angela Willis-#6 added 13 points in the victory. Onikca Pinnock Gibbons-#11 chipped in seven points in the match.
Guatemala: Blanca E. Recinos Ocana-#3 led the team with 10 points and Beatriz Gomes Guzman Rut-#6 contributed six points.
Puerto Rico (3-0) defeated Peru (2-1), 3-0 (25-17,25-19,25-23).
Both teams entered the match undefeated with 2-0 records. In what was easily the marquis match of the day. Puerto Rico stood tall and took all that a talented Peru team had to dish out. A large contingency of loud and chanting Peru fans lifted their team to take an early lead only to have Puerto Rico come from behind and take the first match. Both teams have talented high flyers and motivated players.
Top Performers:
Puerto Rico: Aurea Cruz-#9 lead with 12 points via nine kills, two aces and a block. Sarai Alvarez-#5 and Alexandra Oquendo-# each added 11 points in the victory. Tatiana Encarnacion was all over the floor scoring crutial points and making incredible saves. Note: Sheila Ocasio-#17 has had two days with several service errors, maybe coach Humberto Rodriguez needs to place someone else to serve for Sheila.
Peru: was paced by Patricia Soto-#4 scored 14 points, while Carla Ortiz-#15 chipped in six points
Note: Peru Vs. USA will be on Monday the 29th and Puerto Rico vs. USA will be on the 30th. The USA needs to be on it's A-Game vs. these opponents to continue it's goal of winning this tournament and guarantee itself of an ideal position.
USA (3-0) defeated Mexico (0-3), 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-11).
USA defeated a very inspired Mexico team that never gave up.
Top Performers:
USA: Nancy Metcalf-#12 scored a match-high 20 points for the U.S., which included
16 kills, three blocks and an ace. Danielle Scott-Arruda-#2 and Jordan Larsen-#11 each recorded 11 points in the victory. Note: Metcalf has such a quick and powerful release with her left hand. Her kills sounded like cannon shots.
Mexico: was led by captain Migdalel Ruiz-#2 and Martha Revuelta-#10, who each racked up nine points. Olivia Meza-#13 chipped in four points in and played inspired adding key digs and blocks.
Pool B at the U.S. Century Arena at the Florida International University campus.
Canada (1-2) received a bye due to Colombia's absence at the tournament (Visa Problem)
Dominican Republic (3-0) defeated Trinidad & Tobago (1-2) 3-0 (25-6, 25-7, 25-14).
Several people I speak with automatically think that the U.S. team will win the tournament others name the Gold Medal winners Brazil and the high flying Puerto Rican team. I caution all that last years defending champion still has something to say as the Dominican Republic swept it's opponent to stay undefeated in this tournament.
Top Performers:
Dominican Republic: Bethania de la Cruz-#18 led Dominican Republic with 11 points, including four aces, Jeoselyna Rodriguez-#11 had 8 points with three aces, and Prisilla Rivera Brens-#14 also had eight tallies.
Brazil (3-0) defeated Argentina (1-2), 3-1 (26-24, 18-25, 25-13, 25-18).
As is the case in any sport; these South American neighbors had a hard fought match. Argentina came out strong knowing that it would take a special effort to defeat the Olympic Gold Medal team of Brazil. In the end Brazil's size and athleticism was to much for Argentina.
Top Performers:
Brazil: Sheila Castro-#13 led four Brazilians in double-figures in scoring with 15 points. Thaisa Menezes-#6 added 12 including five blocks, Welissa Gonzaga-#10 also produced 12 points, Fabiana Marcelino Claudino-#1 chipped in 11 with three blocks and Natalia Zilio Pereira-#11 contributed nine with four blocks.
Argentina: Georgina Pinedo-#11 and Lucia Fresco-#10 topped the Argentinean scoring with 15 and 10 points respectively.
USAV JO Note: It's been great to see that several teams that are competing at the Championships are making the trek to Coral Gables to see either the Puerto Rican and/or the U.S. team. I have also seen several university coaches that are recruiting for talent also make it to the Pan Am Cup. I hope everyone is enjoying Miami as much as Miami enjoys having you here playing great volleyball.
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