United States claims Gold at Women’s U21 Pan American Cup

LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 12, 2022.- United States claimed the gold medal of the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup over Argentina 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.

United States finished undefeated with a 5-0 record. This is the second title for the United States in the history of the event, also beating Argentina in the 2017 edition. United States also qualified to the 2023 FIVB World Championship as one of the two top finishers from NORCECA.

Argentina ended with a 4-2 record (both losses to USA), winning their third silver medal (2015, 2017).

United States led 53-42 in attacks while Argentina held advantages in blocks (12-9) and points from serves (6-5). United States committed 21 errors and Argentina 30.

USA Gold Medal, Argentina Silver Medal, Mexico Bronze Medal

Opposite hitter Merritt Beason topped the U.S. scorers with 17 points on 14 kills and three blocks, joined by middle blockers Rebekah Allick and Breanna Kelley with 14 and 10 points respectively.

Argentina’s leading attacker was outside hitter Milena Margaria with 17 points and opposite hitter Valentina Vaulet added 13 points.

Daniel Fisher, Head Coach of United States: “We are really happy for the win. I think the girls were feeling a little tense for a while, but we worked through it and settled down in our reception. We also got some nice energy from players coming off the bench and ended the fourth set playing good volleyball. Argentina is very good and put a lot of stress on us with their serves, but that’s what good teams do”.

Rebekah Allick, Middle blocker of United States: “Going into the third set after losing the second, our minds were set on working hard, focus on the controllable and loving hard on each other because we are all so competitive, independent strong women that uplift one another. When I’m given the opportunity, I always take advantage, everyone gets their moments, I’m on a great team”.

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