USA earns the chance to defend the gold medal

TIJUANA, Mexico, July 9, 2010 – USA earned the chance to defend its crown in NORCECA Women’s Junior Volleyball Championship final match following a 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-14) victory over hosts Mexico in the semifinals of Friday.

The Americans will meet Dominican Republic in the gold medal contest for a fourth consecutive time with both sides already qualified to next year’s FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship due to take place in Peru.

Jane Crosson led USA scorers with 19 points followed by Haleigh Hampton with 11 tallies including five blocks.  Kelly Reeves contributed 9 points and Carly Wopat and Stephanie Holthus each charted 8 points. Mexican Andrea Rangel topped the defeated side with 15 points.

“We did exactly what we wanted to do and did a good job persevering in the first set, “Wopat said.

Coach Robert Browning added: “As I said before we respect the Mexican team a lot and we put in practice a plan based on our previous match against them. We executed well and kept the emotional balance.”

“We tried many things and didn’t work because they played great defense,” commented Mexican Karla Sainz. “We lost the concentration and the enthusiasm but it was a well deserved victory for USA.”

Mexican Coach Alfredo Bernal said: “We couldn’t keep the focus and they played great defense. Now we have to come back tomorrow against Cuba and battle for the remaining ticket to the World Championship.”