SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, November 27, 2015 – Volleyball super powers USA and Brazil were crowned champions of the Men’s and Women’s Pan American Cup in 2015 held in Lima, Peru and Reno, United States, respectively.

The Pan American Cups are the premier annual volleyball competitions involving the top teams from NORCECA and South American Volleyball Confederations, granting spots to the FIVB Grand Prix and FIVB World League.

The United States won the women’s crown for the third time in four years tying with Cuba for most titles in the all-time list with four first-place finishes.

In the gold medal match of the XIV Women’s Pan American Cup , United States defeated Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-15) with Krista Vansant earning the Most Valuable Player award to go with his trophy as First Outside Hitter in the All-Star team.

Argentina claimed their third bronze medal in the history of the competition by outplaying Cuba in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-20).

Cuban Melissa Vargas, the top scorer and best server, was the Second Outside Hitter while Dominican Brenda Castillo also received three awards as best libero, best digger and best receiver.

Cuban Alena Rojas and Canadian Lucille Charuk were the First and Second Middle Blocker, while Peruvian Angela Leyva and USA’s Carli Lloyd were name best opposite and best setter, respectively.

Brazil recovered to defeat Argentina 3-1 (22-25, 35-33, 25-17, 25-21) to win for the third time in history at the X Men’s Pan American Cup.

The bronze medal went to Venezuela with a 3-2 (25-22. 18-25, 25-23, 17-25, 19-17) seesaw victory over Canada.

Douglas Souza of Brazil was named as the Most Valuable Player. Fellow Brazilians Rogerio Carvalho and Flavio Gualberto were selected best receiver and first middle blocker, respectively.

Canada’s Casey Schouten was the best server and best opposite while compatriot Stephen Maar was the first outside hitter. Dominican Republic’s Luis Adames and Mario Frias were the best scorer and second middle blocker, respectively.

Argentina’s Demian Gonzalez received the award as best setter and compatriot Facundo Santuacci was the best digger. Mexico’s Jesus Rangel was the best libero and Venezuela’s Willner Rivas, the second outside hitter.