United States downs Guatemala to advance into semifinals

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, June 20, 2018.- United States advanced into the NORCECA U20 Women’s Continental Championship semifinals winning Pool A after defeating Guatemala 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-7) at Aguascalientes, Mexico.

United States finished the preliminary round with 3-0 record and moves into semifinals aiming to reach the tournament’s title match to battle for the one vacancy available for next year’s age-group FIVB World Championship.

The United States led in all sets without resistance and with their stronger performers finished Guatemala quickly.

USA performed with different combinations, overpowering Guatemala with a huge 32-12 margin in attacks, 14-2 in blocking and 6-0 in aces. USA scored on 23 opponent errors while allowing 17.

Caitlin Barid of United States was the only player with double figures, scoring 12 points. Adeola Owokoniran and Destiny Cox contributed with 9 points apiece and Madison Kubik added 8 points. Treicy Mendoza scored 4 points for Guatemala.

Guatemala will play classification matches for 5^th to 8^th place.

Caitlin Baird top scorer of United States: “It’s a good feeling. We just did our job, we worked together as a team and we just have to keep on hitting strong and high for the next round”.

Keegan Cook head coach of United States: “I am satisfied with everyone’s performance; the result in the third set was especially good. All the different combinations and variety of players on the team gives us a chance to work on different possibilities if necessary for what’s coming ahead. Our overall performance has been awesome and our recovery after yesterday’s demanding match was really good”.

Carmen Elisa Gomez captain of Guatemala: “The preliminary round was a real challenge and we never gave up. We have a lot to learn from United States. We are ready to practice more and set for the next phase; we need to improve our serves and reception”.

William Fernández head coach of Guatemala: “This was a match to learn from and it helps us to prepare more. We were able to score some points against them; they are much superior despite their performance was below their game level. Guatemala needs to be more effective attacking by the middle and has to be more aggressive in everything”.