|
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 11, 2022.-
United States will play for the title of the
sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American
Cup after winning their semifinal match to Chile
3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-9) at La Paz Arena in Baja
California Sur.
United States will battle for the gold against
the winner of the second semifinal between the
host Mexico and Argentina. The Americans had
already won a berth to the 2023 FIVB World
Championship as one of the top two finishers
from NORCECA in the event with Chile beating
Cuba in quarterfinals.
This the second time the U.S. plays for the
title, the first time was in 2017 when they won
the gold to Argentina.
The U.S. dominated Chile with superiority in
every skill; attacks (43-18), serves (12-2) and
blocks (9-4). United States limited their
unforced errors to 9 and Chile to a total of 11.
Middle blocker Beanna Kelley led the Americans
with 13 points on 9 kills, 3 blocks and one ace
and outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer added 11
points from 7 kills, one block and three aces.
From Chile, outside hitter Dominga Aylwin scored
12 points from 11 kills and one block as their
leading scorer.
Alexis Rodríguez, Captain of United States:
“We went out with defensive intensity, we knew
they were going to be a scrapy team, so we just
stuck to that; also, we battled our serving-pass
and won that as well. We’re ready for the title
match, it will be exciting facing either one:
with Mexico we will enjoy the atmosphere and
with Argentina an interesting re-match”.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach of Chile:
“It’s hard to evaluate when you face an opponent
that’s at a higher level than yours, they
outplay us in all: height, strength, technique,
positioning. We must bet on those teams at our
same level of play and learn, improve and one
day play like them (USA). Being among the four
finalists is already a victory and if we reach
the podium, it’ll be a plus”. |
