MEXICALI, Baja California, June 7, 2008.- One day after qualifying to the 2009 World Grand Prix, the USA Team had to battle for five sets to defeat Venezuela and finish in fifth position at the Women’s Pan American Cup. The score was 27-25, 28-26, 17-25, 22-25, 15-7.

Alexis Crimes, Alexandra Klineman and Tracy Stalls each scored 15 points for USA. Cynthia Barboza added 14 and Kristin Richards contributed 10. Jayce Andrade and Desiree Glod carried the load of the Venezuelan attack with 25 points apiece.

“I am very proud of this young team who had to play eight matches in nine days and today had to overcome the loss of libero Stacy Sykora, which is the inspirational leader of the group and could not play because an upset stomach,” said Tom Hogan, the American coach.

“Today we came to learn from one of the big powers of volleyball not only in Latin America but in the world,” said Tomas Fernandez, the coach of Venezuela. “To be able to battle against them leave me very satisfied.”