USA wins Pool B at Pan American Cup

TIJUANA, Mexico, June 22, 2010 – USA defeated Mexico in straight sets (25-14, 25-16, 25-15) to win Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup with unbeaten record of 5-0. The triumph earned the Americans a direct ticket to the semifinal round of the event.

Megan Hodge and Nancy Metcalf were the best scorers of the winning side with 12 and 11 points respectively and Heather Bown chipped in nine. Mexicans Andrea Rangel and Samantha Bricio scored 11 and 10 tallies.

“We are happy with the victory and it was good to win 3-0,” American Nancy Metcalf said. “We have to work to continue to improve and make our team better.”

“It was the best match for us in the competition” Mexican Claudia Rodriguez said. “To play against a team of USA caliber is of great help for our young players.”

USA Coach Hugh McCutcheon said: “We are ready to practice tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Now we have to focus in the next phase of the competition.”

Mexico’s coach Jose Bernal said: “I agree with Claudia about this being the best match for us. I liked the attitude and a lot of positive things from our girls.”