USA sensational comeback to beat Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 5, 2006.- USA made a spectacular comeback erasing a 0-2 deficit to beat host Puerto Rico and move to the semi finals of the Women’s Pan American Cup. Both teams engaged in a tough battle of more than two hours but USA prevailed with its superior blocking and mental strength in the key situations. The score was 23-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 15-8. The victory enabled USA to qualify to the 2007 World Grand Prix joining Brazil, Cuba and Dominican Republic. USA will meet Brazil and Dominican Republic will face Cuba in the Final Four phase. Nancy Metcalf had 26 points, including five blocks, Katherine Wilkins scored 20 and Heather Bown added 12 for USA. Karina Ocasio and Aury Cruz had 25 and 23 respectively for Puerto Rico and Alexandra Oquendo contributed with 12. “We were mentally prepared to play five sets,” said Lang Ping, the American coach. “We are also lucky because this is a young team. I told them to fight for the points without worrying for the result.”