USA grabs spot in Pan Am Cup Semifinals

CALLAO, Peru, June 12, 2013 – Defending champions United States subdued Argentina in straight sets (25-17, 25-19, 25-22) to claim first place in Pool A and direct spot in the semifinals of the Movistar Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at Miguel Grau Coliseum of Callao on Wednesday.

Nicole Fawcett charted 15 points to lead the American attack, followed by Kristin Hillenbrand with 13. Megan Hodge, Rachel Adams and Lauren Gibbemeyer finished with 11, 10 and 8 respectively. Argentina’s Lucia Fresco finished with 14 and Emilce Sosa added 11.

“I think USA did a good job tonight with some good contributions from the players off the bench,” said Hillebrand. “Our setter did an excellent job to help the balanced offense.”

“USA played almost perfect,” Paula Nizetich said. “We tried our best but they established a high and fast game that we couldn’t manage.”

“Our players responded well and I would like to improve our serves, and continue to work on our fast offense,” USA Coach Karch Kiraly said.

“We kept playing with them for a while but couldn’t maintain the rhythm and level of consistency,” Argentina’s Guillermo Orduna said. “Against a team like USA you pay the price when commit mistakes.”