TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 23, 2022 – The United States finished the Pan American Cup with a big win over Brazil, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17) to take the gold medal on Saturday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Team USA (5-0) is qualified for the 2023 FIVB World Championship. Brazil (4-1) will look to earn its berth at the South American championship.
The U.S. team was dominant in attacks (41-17) and aces (9-1). It led in blocks 10-9. Brazil scored on 19 U.S. errors and committed 15 of its own.
U.S. outside hitter Harper Murray led all scorers with 15 points on a match-high 13 attacks and two blocks. Opposite Abigail Mullen added 14 points on nine spikes, a match-high four blocks and an ace.
U.S. setter Bergen Reilly had a match-high three aces.
Brazil was led by outside hitter Rebeca Borges who had six points on three attacks and three blocks.
Brazil silver medal winners
U.S. Coach Jamie Morrison: We got better over the course of the tournament. We talked a lot about learning from each match and making sure we fixed any problems the next morning and then we went into the next match. We continued to do that pretty perfectly.
Brazil Coach Hylmer Do Nascimento Dias: It was a great tournament for us. Our team is very young. It is important for us to get experience for them. This tournament helped prepare them for the South American championship. The U.S. team did a great job today and congratulations to them for the gold medal.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 23, 2022 – Dominican Republic won a battle with Puerto Rico 3-1 (28-26, 22-25, 25-22, 32-30) to take the bronze medal at the Girls U19 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Both Dominican Republic (4-2) and Puerto Rico (2-4) qualified for the 2023 FIVB World Championship.
The teams were very close statistically. They were tied in attacks 59-59. Dominican Republic led in blocks 11-7 and Puerto Rico led in aces 12-8. Dominican Republic scored 29 points on Puerto Rico’s errors while giving up 25.
The match included a third set in which Puerto Rico held off seven match points before Dominican Republic won. In the fourth set, Dominican Republic held match point five times before winning on the sixth. Puerto Rico held set point twice.
Dominican Republic outside hitter Katielle Vargas led all scorers with 30 points on a match-high 27 attacks, two blocks and one ace. Dominican middle blocker Selanny Puente had a match-high four blocks.
Puerto Rico’s opposite Grace Lopez led her team with 28 points on 24 spikes and a match-high four aces.
Dominican Republic celebrates bronze medal victory over Puerto Rico
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: It was a tough game. We knew it was going to be this way because there is a great rivalry between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. We failed a lot, something we hadn’t been doing, but in the end they failed a little more than us. Happy very happy.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: I understand that the girls did an excellent job and we finished the tournament playing very well. Very pleased and I hope that they understand the commitment to train with dedication towards the World Cup.
TULSA, Oklahoma, July 23, 2022 – Mexico grabbed the final berth to the 2023 U19 FIVB World Championship with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-18) win over Canada on Saturday at the 2022 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Mexico (4-2) finished the tournament in fifth place.
Mexico led in spikes (34-27) and aces (11-6). Canada (2-4) led in blocks (7-3) but gave up 27 points on scoring errors while Mexico gave up 19.
Mexico outside hitter Michelle Arzate led all scorers with 12 points on a match-high 10 spikes and two aces. Opposite Luz Solano added 11 points on eight attacks, one block and two aces. Outside hitter Ximena Cordero totaled 10 points on seven spikes and a match-high three aces.
Canada’s scoring was led by outside hitter Abagayle Guezen who scored 10 points on six attacks and two blocks. Setter Kaiya Tyson had a match-high three blocks.
Mexico celebrates its victory
Luis Banuelos, coach of Mexico: We are very happy to have achieved the main goal, which was a pass to the World Championship. We know that we still have a lot to work on, a lot to analyze this entire tournament. But this is a time to celebrate together with the girls, together with our families and all of Mexico. Very happy with the pass to the World Championship.
Canada Coach Christine Biggs: Obviously it’s painful to not come away with a win tonight and a berth to the world championships. I definitely feel for the athletes who committed to the process and did a lot of learning over the week. I think it’s a really good step for them and for the program for our young athletes to have this experience in their developmental pathway. It’s good for our senior national team program to have athletes coming in that have been in these pressure situations.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 23, 2022 – Peru picked up its first win of the tournament with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18) victory over Costa Rica on Saturday at the 2022 Girls U19 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Peru (1-4) finishes the tournament in seventh place.
Peru led in attacks (38-24) while Costa Rica led in blocks (5-3) and aces (9-7). Peru scored on 27 Costa Rica errors and committed 23.
Peru outside hitters Katherine Pauro and Fabiana Hurtado finished with 14 points each. Pauro had 13 attacks and one ace. Hurtado had 12 attacks and two aces.
Costa Rica outside hitter Nazareth Mata led her team with 10 points on eight spikes, one block and one ace.
Peru vs Costa Rica at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa
Peru Coach Walter Lung: The victory is better. The structure of the game was different because previous matches were against taller teams. We are happy because this is a small team that has good defense. We are happy because we have a victory at the end.
Kareem Richars, coach of Costa Rica: It has been a very growing experience. In today’s game we expected a little more, but it is part of the game, part of the development. We need a little more. We leave happy. The objective was attained. The organization has been excellent. We hope that Costa Rica in future competitions can compete at a higher level.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 22, 2022 – Team USA continued to roll through the Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 25-15) semifinal win over Dominican Republic on Friday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
The United States (4-0) will play Brazil (4-0) for the championship on Saturday. Dominican Republic (3-2) will face Puerto Rico (2-3) in the bronze medal match.
Dominican Republic kept the pressure on the United States. Although the U.S. led in attacks (39-18) and blocks (4-1), the teams were tied in aces (6-6) and each team had 25 scoring errors.
Dominican opposite Ariana Rodriguez led all scorers with 14 points on a match-high 12 attacks and two aces.
Outside hitter Harper Murray led Team USA with 10 points on eight spikes, one block and one ace.
USA celebrates defeating Dominican Republic
U.S. Coach Jamie Morrison: It was nice to be pushed. The Dominicans have always been a good rival of the United States. I was happy they pushed us a little bit. We got to learn some things about our team. I’m sure tomorrow night will be a battle.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: A tough game. We knew that the United States is a very strong team but I think we played well and kept up a good level of play. It is difficult to play against the United States. We are prepared and rested for tomorrow from where we can leave with a bronze medal. In short, happy.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 22, 2022 – Puerto Rico almost handed Brazil its first loss of the Pan American Cup, but the South Americans prevailed, 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 25-15, 18-25, 15-8) on Friday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Brazil (4-0) will play for the championship on Saturday. Puerto Rico will play for third place. Puerto Rico is qualified for the 2023 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship.
Brazil led the match in aces (13-6) and blocks (16-9). Puerto Rico led in attacks (54-48). The teams each had 25 scoring errors.
The teams were tied 5-5 in the fifth set when Brazil scored on an ace and a kill, both from outside hitter Vittoria Kuehne, and Puerto Rico never recovered.
Brazil’s outside hitter Rebeca Borges led all scorers with 25 points on 19 spikes, two blocks and a match-high four aces. Vittoria finished with 18 points on 15 kills and three aces. Middle blocker Juliana Palhano scored 12 points on five spikes and a match-high seven blocks.
Puerto Rico’s left-handed opposite Grace Lopez scored 22 points on a match-high 20 attacks, one block and one ace. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett added 15 points on 12 spikes and three blocks.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: It was a good match. The players raised their game with a great first set that was almost perfect. We recover in the room. Brazil is a taller team but not as strong. I am proud and satisfied with the work of the girls.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 22, 2022 – Canada had to come back in each set against a tenacious Costa Rica and went on to win 3-0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-22) at the Pan American Cup on Friday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Canada (2-3) will play Mexico (3-2) for fifth place and a 2023 World Championship berth on Saturday. Costa Rica (0-4) will play Peru (0-4) for seventh place.
Costa Rica had set point three times in the first set, but Canada held off the loss. Canada took its first set point at 26-25 and won on a kill by Taylor de Boer. Costa Rica led 23-19 in the second set before Canada scored six straight points to win. Costa Rica led 16-14 in the third set before Canada pulled ahead.
Costa Rica scored 39 points on Canada’s errors while giving up 19. Costa Rica led in aces (7-5). Canada led in spikes (50-24) and blocks (3-2).
De Boer led all scorers with 16 points on 15 kills and one ace. Sofia Vega led Costa Rica with 10 points on seven spikes and three aces.
Canada U19 National Team
Canada Coach Christine Biggs: It was frustrating to see so many unforced errors from the group today. Every match that we are in is an opportunity for us to learn as we progress later into the tournament in terms of body management and ability to focus and execute in all sorts of circumstances. I’m pleased that we get to advance into the next match. It’s a big one for us. But we have a lot of work to do.
Kareem Richards, coach of Costa Rica: “Very proud of these girls that showed that with the proper preparation and the right structure they are able to compete at this level. Canada is a very good team, very tall but the players followed our instructions and that is why played the way we did. The lack of experience showed at the end of the sets that we could not close. Even though we did not win the match, we got a lot of experience. Today, our team grew up a little bit more.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 22, 2022 – Mexico kept alive its hopes for a 2023 World Championship berth with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-21) win over Peru in the Pan American Cup on Friday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Mexico (3-2) will play in the fifth-place match on Saturday. Peru (0-4) will play for seventh.
Mexico’s attack overwhelmed Peru as it led in spikes 41-26. Mexico also scored 24 points on Peru’s errors while committing 19. The teams tied in blocks (4-4) and aces (6-6).
Mexico outside hitter Ximena Cordero dominated the match, leading all scorers with 18 points on 18 spikes. She also had 13 digs. Mexico’s libero Sofia Padron had 19 digs.
Mexico celebrates against Peru
Peru was led by outside hitter Fabiana Hurtado who scored nine points on seven spikes, one block and one ace.
Luis Bañuelos, coach of Mexico: “We are very happy about winning this match, after the one we lost yesterday. It is good for the motivation of the group. Now we have to wait for the match between Canada and Costa Rica to achieve a good position in this tournament.”
Peru Coach Walter Lung: We hoped this match would be better, but it wasn’t. Technically, the team showed improvement. We are still working to improve and develop.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 21, 2022 – The Dominican Republic will go to the semifinals of the 2022 Girls U19 Pan American Cup after beating Canada in the quarterfinals on Thursday, 3-1 (23-25, 25-12, 25-12, 26-24) at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
The win also qualified the Dominican Republic (3-1) for the 2023 Girls U19 World Championship. The Dominican will play the United States (3-0) in the semifinals. Canada (1-3) will play Peru (0-3) in the fifth-place bracket.
Scoring errors proved costly for Canada. It gave up 36 points to the Dominican Republic, which had 21 errors. The Dominicans serving was also tough for Canada to handle. The DR led in aces 11-3. It also held smaller leads in spikes (42-42) and blocks (10-8).
Dominican Republic outside hitter Katielle Vargas and opposite Ariana Rodriguez each finished with 18 points. Vargas scored 13 attacks and a match-high five blocks. Rodriguez added 13 spikes, a match-high four aces and one block.
Canada was led by outside hitter Taylor de Boer with 14 points on 13 attacks and one block.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: Very happy with this victory. Now we have to rest because we have a very tough match against United States. Our goal now is to get one of the medals back to Dominican Republic.”
Canada Coach Christine Biggs: It’s tough to be that close and not come out with that fourth set. I definitely was proud of the developments the group made in a short period of time. We did a lot of work in video and on the practice court leading into this match. I think the athletes did a really great job of executing the gameplan and showing that they are growing every day.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 21, 2022 – Puerto Rico came back from a first-set loss to beat Mexico 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21) on Thursday at the Girls U19 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
The win qualified Puerto Rico (2-2) for one of the four spots available to NORCECA teams for the 2023 FIVB World Championship. The team will move on to play in Friday’s semifinals. Mexico (2-2) will move to the fifth-place bracket.
Puerto Rico led Mexico in attacks (55-50) and aces (6-4). Mexico led in blocks (11-7). Puerto Rico scored 29 points on Mexico’s errors and gave up 26.
Puerto Rico opposite Grace Lopez led all scorers with 25 points on a match-high 21 attacks, two blocks and two aces. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett scored 19 points on 18 kills and one block. Middle blocker Yarianis Suarez had a match-high four blocks for Puerto Rico.
Mexico was led by outside hitter Ximena Cordero who had 17 points on 16 spike and one block.
Match action Puerto Rico against Mexico
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: “Very happy with this victory. The girls were very anxious in the first set. We asked them to calm down and they did it. Our game improved in the following sets. The serves, the attacks down the corners and defense were good. We are very happy with this qualification to the world championship.”
Luis Bañuelos, coach of Mexico: “Very sad because we lost this match. We started playing well but then we committed too many errors that affected our chances. We still have two more matches to play and hopefully we will do better.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 20, 2022 – Team USA beat Peru, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-15) on Wednesday and will advance straight to the semifinals of the Girls U19 Pan American Cup after winning its pool 3-0 at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
The U.S. Girls (3-0) will get Thursday off while they await their semifinal opponent. Peru (0-3) will play in the fifth-place bracket, which also begins Friday.
Although each set started close, the United States pulled away each time and ended up leading the match in attacks (40-19), blocks (8-1) and aces (9-2). The U.S. committed 16 scoring errors and Peru committed 18.
Outside hitter Harper Murray of the U.S. started the first two sets and led all scorers with 12 points on nine attacks, two aces and one block. Outside hitter Kira Hutson scored 11 points on eight kills, two aces and one block.
Outside hitter Fabiana Hurtado led her team with seven points on six kills and one ace.
USA Head Coach Jamie Morrison I think the biggest thing is the growth of the players who are in this tournament. I thought today we could have been a little bit better. Overall, I’m happy with the progress the team has made and going undefeated is a great accomplishment.
Peru Head Coach Walter Lung: For us, it’s a big opportunity to play against the USA because we consider them one of the best teams in the world. We think that the girls played well, considering their level. They made their best effort and we played with three girls who are 15 years old. These are young kids. We want to finish the tournament in the best place possible.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 20, 2022 – The Dominican Republic survived Puerto Rico’s third-set rally and won its final pool play match 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-22) on Wednesday in a Girls U19 Pan American Cup match at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Dominican Republic (2-1) finished pool play in second place and Puerto Rico (1-2) placed third. Both teams will play in Thursday’s quarterfinals for a berth in Friday semifinals.
Dominican Republic led the stats in spikes (42-32) and had an amazing 13 aces as opposed to six for Puerto Rico. The teams tied in blocks (5-5) and each team had 16 scoring errors.
Puerto Rico put together a serving run in the third set that almost got it to the set victory, but Dominican Republic came back to win.
Dominican opposite Ariana Rodriguez led all scorers with 19 points on 13 attacks and a match-high six aces. Outside hitter Katielle Vargas added 17 points on a match-high 15 kills and two blocks.
Puerto Rican opposite Grace Lopez led her team with 16 points on 11 kills, four aces and one block. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett had a match-high three blocks.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “Happy with this victory. What Iiked the most was the regularity we were able to keep. Tomorrow we have a tough match against Canada and we need to study them and prepare for that. Very happy.”
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: “Our reception did not work properly. Then we tried our best in the third set but could not close it. Tomorrow we go against Mexico trying to advance.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 20, 2022 – Mexico took a big 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 26-24) win over Canada on Wednesday to secure at least second place in its pool at the Girls U19 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center.
Mexico (2-1) and Canada (1-2) must wait until Wednesday’s final match between the United States and Peru to find out where they finish in the pool.
Mexico’s offense proved to be the difference as it led in attacks 40-27. The teams tied in aces 8-8 and Canada led in blocks 7-4. Canada held set point in the third set at 24-23, but Mexico scored three straight points for the win.
Mexico outside hitter Michelle Arzate led all scorers with 20 points on 18 spikes and two aces. Outside hitter Ximena Cordero had 10 points and middle blocker Alicia Solis scored eight points including a match-high five aces.
Canada’s team captain and outside hitter Taylor de Boer led her team with 12 points on 12 attacks. Middle blocker Veronica Dickson and outside hitter Abagayle Guezen each had three blocks for Canada.
Mexico during line-up
Luis Bañuelos, coach of Mexico: “Very happy to finish the preliminary phase with a victory against Canada. We did a lot of work and study about them. The third set was complicated. Now we will wait for the quarterfinals hoping for a higher position.”
Canada Coach Christine Biggs: We were pleased with our ability to build throughout the match. By the third set, we were in a place where we would like to be moving forward. We want to build on that and grow throughout the remainder of the tournament.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 20, 2022 – Brazil finished pool play undefeated at 3-0 after beating Costa Rica on Wednesday, 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-12) in the Girls U19 Pan American Cup at Cox Business Center Arena in Tulsa.
Brazil will get Thursday off and play in the semifinals on Friday. Costa Rica (0-3) will move to the fifth-place bracket.
Brazil led in kills (45-8), blocks (7-2) and aces (6-1). Brazil scored on 17 Costa Rica errors and committed 15. Inexperienced Costa Rica remained enthusiastic throughout the match and cheered every point they scored against Brazil.
Brazil opposite Manoela Forlin led all scorers with 14 points on 12 spikes and two aces. Middle blocker Juliana Palhano added 12 points, including two blocks.
Outside hitter Nazareth Mata had three points for Costa Rica.
Match action between Brazil and Costa Rica
Brazil Team Manager Jose Caetano: Of course we are very happy. It I very important to be first in the group because we have a day to rest, and it is good for the rest of the championship. Even though our group is still developing, the best thing has been that we are playing as a team.
Kareem Richards, coach of Costa Rica: “Today we lost to Brazil but o team improved. The team is growing and that is why we came here. The name of Brazil weighed too much at the beginning but the girls improved. For me it was a benefit for us. You do not face a team like Brazil every day.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 19, 2022 – Team USA handed Canada its first loss of the Girls U19 Pan American Cup, 3-0 (25-6, 25-9, 25-11) on Tuesday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
The U.S. Girls (2-0) will look to win the pool on Wednesday against Peru (0-2). Canada (1-1) will look to bounce back when it plays Mexico (1-1).
Team USA dominated the match and led in spikes (29-9), blocks (6-3) and aces (13-1). The U.S. scored on 27 errors by Canada while committing 13.
U.S. opposite Abigail Mullen led all scorers with 11 points on eight kills and three aces. Outside hitter Julia Blyashov started the first two sets and scored eight points. U.S. libero Laney Choboy was credited with nine digs.
Canada opposite Lydia Johnson led her team with three points.
Match action between United States and Canada
USA Head Coach Jamie Morrison: We’re just taking this day by day and growing as a team. I thought we took another step up and we’ll do that again tomorrow and the day after. They are starting to understand what it takes to play international volleyball.
Canada Head Coach Christine Biggs: Across the board, we won’t be happy with how we showed up and how we competed tonight. There’s lots of things that we can learn from this. As a staff and a group of athletes, there were a lot of moments where we were challenged and tested. We now have opportunities to look deeper at where we need work.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 19, 2022 – Brazil and Dominican Republic played a high-level match with Dominican Republic taking several leads before Brazil could come back and win 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20) at the Girls U19 Pan American Cup on Tuesday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Brazil (2-0) will play Costa Rica (0-2) in the pool play finale on Wednesday. Dominican Republic (1-1) will face Puerto Rico (1-1).
Despite strong play from Dominican Republic, Brazil led in attacks (46-37), blocks (9-7) and aces (4-3). Dominican Republic had 16 scoring errors and Brazil had 15.
Brazil had three players score 15 points each: outside hitter Vittoria Kuehne, opposite Manoela Forlin and outside hitter Rebeca Borges. Borges had a match-high 14 spikes. Forlin had a match-high three blocks.
Outside hitter Katielle Vargas led Dominican Republic with 16 points.
Brazil celebrates a point against Dominican Republic
Brazil Team Manager Jose Caetano: The match was very high level and that is important for us. Dominican Republic is a good team in our group. It’s important to have a good match against a good team to give us confidence as we move on in the competition.
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “It was a tough game. I think we played well and could have played a little better but some of our players lacked playing experience. I am very happy with the players that did it well.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 19, 2022 – Mexico and Peru had a roller-coaster battle that Mexico finally won, 3-1 (25-16, 21-25, 25-27, 25-15) on Tuesday at the Girls U19 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Mexico (1-1) will play Canada (1-0) in the pool-play finale on Wednesday. Peru (0-2) will play the United States (1-0).
Both teams had strong serving as Peru held a slight edge in aces, 11-10. The teams tied in blocks 5-5, but Mexico dominated on offense with 50 spikes as opposed to 31 for Peru. Mexico scored 31 points on Peru’s errors while limiting theirs to 26.
Mexico had three players in double figures led by outside hitter Michelle Arzate with 21 points on a match-high 15 spikes and a match-high six aces. Middle blocker Arleth Marquez scored 15 points and Alexa Vallin had 12.
Peru was led by outside hitter Fabiana Hurtado with 18 points on 14 kills and four aces.
Match action between Mexico and Peru
Luis Bañuelos, coach of Mexico: “Very happy with this first victory. The girls have been working very hard. Unfortunately, yesterday we could not do it against United States but it is a matter of turning the page and move forward. Very happy and now to prepare the match against Canada.”
Peru Head Coach Walter Lung: We played the same way as yesterday. This match was up and down for both teams. We will work harder to be more consistent. This is part of our experience at the Pan American Cup.
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 19, 2022 – Puerto Rico got its first win of the Girls U19 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-9, 25-14, 25-5) win over Costa Rica on Tuesday at the Cox Business Convention Center.
Puerto Rico (1-1) will finish pool play on Wednesday with a match against Dominican Republic (1-0). Costa Rica (0-2) will wrap up pool play against Brazil (1-0).
Puerto Rico led the stats in spikes (48-12), blocks (5-0) and aces (11-2). Costa Rica scored 14 points off Puerto Rico’s errors while committing 11.
Puerto Rico opposite Grace Lopez led all scorers with 14 points on 10 attacks, a match-high three aces and one block. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett added 12 points on 10 spikes and two aces.
Costa Rica was led by outside hitter Nazareth Mata with six points on six kills.
Setter Valencia Medina (PUR) in action against Costa Rica
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: “A three-set win. We were able to rotate our players to learn whom we can count on. Our counter-attacks worked well and our serves created some problems to Costa Rica. Now we have to go to practice in order to prepare tomorrow’s match.”
Kareem Richards, coach of Costa Rica: “The girls looked a little better than yesterday but it is a process. We know there are factors that affect their performance. We recognize the difference that the difference with the other teams is big and we hope someday they can play at that level.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 18, 2022 – Team USA started fast and didn’t slow down in its 3-0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12) victory over Mexico on Monday in their first pool play match of the 2022 Girls U19 Pan American Cup at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
The United States dominated the match in kills (56-16), blocks (10-2) and aces (8-0). Mexico scored on 21 U.S. errors while committing 19.
Every player on the U.S. roster started at least one set. All but libero Laney Choboy scored at least one point. Middle blocker Andi Jackson, who started the second and third sets and was the only player in the match to score in double figures, led the U.S. with 11 points on seven kills, a match-high three aces and one block.
Action between United States and Mexico
Mexico also got all its players a little court time.
Outside hitter Ximena Cordero led Mexico with five points on five spikes.
USA Head Coach Jamie Morrison: We have some people for whom it was their first time in a USA uniform. It was nice to get some people on the floor and get that experience for everyone in the first match. We’re really treating our matches as an extension of the work that we’ve done with the 20-person preliminary roster. I thought we did a really good job of dialing in some things we have been working on.
Luis Banuelos, coach of Mexico: “It is the first international experience for many of these girls and facing a power like the United States was difficult. In the end we did not lower our heads and fought as best we could. There is a lot to learn from this match.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 18, 2022 – Puerto Rico used strong serving and passing to win the first set before Brazil turned things around and won 3-1 (19-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-21) in their first pool play match of the Girls U19 Pan American Cup on Monday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Brazil led the match in attacks (52-44) and Puerto Rico led in aces (9-6). The teams tied in blocks (6-6). Brazil scored 30 points on Puerto Rico’s errors while committing 22.
Four Brazil players scored in double figures. Brazil outside hitter and Team Captain Vittoria Kuehne led all scorers with 18 points on 18 attacks.
Puerto Rico was led by opposite Grace Lopez who scored 15 points on nine kills, two blocks and four aces. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett added 11.
Action between Brazil and Puerto Rico
Brazil Head Coach Hylmer do Nascimento Dias: We started the first set a little nervous, playing high and low. It’s normal because of their ages. We hope that during the competition, we can grow up and improve.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: “In the first set our serves and good reception created problems to them but we could not do it in the second and third. In the fourth set our reaction was too late against a tall and strong team. We need to keep the focus.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 18, 2022 – Canada overcame scrappy Peru to win their first match of the 2022 Girls U19 Pan American Cup, 3-1 (25-23, 25-13, 18-25, 25-20) on Monday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Canada led Peru in spikes (46-24), blocks (9-3) and aces (13-6). Peru scored 48 points on Canada’s errors while committing 25 itself.
Canada middle blocker Veronica Dickson led all scorers with 17 points on 12 kills, a match-high three blocks and three aces. Outside hitter Abagayle Guezen added 16 points and outside hitter Taylor DeBoer scored 14.
Peru middle blocker Alondra Villanueva and outside hitter Fabiana Hurtado each scored 10 points. Middle blocker Ericka Zevallos had a match-high five aces for Peru.
Action between Canada and Peru
Canada Head Coach Christine Biggs
“I think we did a really nice job of growing through the match and using the experience to get better. We also did a really nice job of competing and fighting. I was really impressed with the adjustments we made throughout the match, considering it was the first international experience. I am really proud of the maturity these young women showed.”
Walter Lung, coach of Peru: “It is a new category for us as a team but we are trying to find the right path. We hope to improve tactically in the next few games and also from our players individually.”
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, July 18, 2022 – The girls of the Dominican Republic used their height and speed to defeat Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-10, 25-6, 25-11) at the Girls U19 Pan American Cup on Monday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Dominican Republic led the statistics, with greater numbers of spikes (33-14), blocks (7-0) and aces (16-0).
Sellany Puente of Dominican Republic led all scorers with 16 points on nine kills, three blocks and four aces. Ariana Rodriguez had six aces for the DR.
Silvana Zavaleta paced Costa Rica with six points.
Action between Dominican Republic and Costa Rica
Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “It was a good start for us but the tournament is just beginning for us. Many of our younger girls had chances to play. We need to keep working to get the ticket to the world championship”.
Costa Rica Head Coach Kareem Richards: “We knew it was going to be a complicated start. It’s the first tournament for these girls. Our goal is to gain experience. As I said before you learn more from the losses than the victories. We’ll continue representing our country with pride trying to do the things better with each day.”
TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 17, 2022 – Eight teams are in the central United States this week for the Girls U19 Pan American Cup on July 18-23 at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Six NORCECA countries – Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States – are battling for three berths in the 2023 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship. Two South American countries – Brazil and Peru – are using the tournament to prepare for their own championship in a few weeks.
Most players at the tournament will be competing for their country for the first time.
Coaches and representatives from the eight teams gave their thoughts about the upcoming six-day tournament.
Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa
Brazil Team Manager Jose Caetano
“We are here to prepare our team because next month we have the South American championship. We have to think about the next year and the world championship. We have been training one and a half months and we played three matches against a professional team in Brazil to prepare our girls before coming here. We hope we can do well in the competition.”
Canada Head Coach Christine Biggs
“We’re very excited to be bringing this young group to the Pan American Cup. For many, it is their first international experience. With three NORCECA berths on the line for World Championships, this tournament is very important. We’re excited about the progress we’ve made leading into the event. We’re excited to see the team grow and compete in this environment.”
Costa Rica Head Coach Kareem Richards
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to be here at the Pan American Cup. We know that it is a really difficult tournament, we are in a complicated group, nevertheless, we are here with all our energy to do the best tournament possible. We will go one point at a time to reach our goals, which are clear, gain the most experience possible and learn from the best teams here; we will put our best effort. I want to thank the organizing committee; they have surpassed our expectations.”
Mexico Head Coach Luis Bañuelo
“We are glad to be here at the Pan American Cup. It’s a new experience for most of the teams, for most of the girls representing Mexico. We are glad to participate and reach the best result that can qualify us to the World Championship, we have worked for it, and we are confident to reach the result we have set.”
Peru Head Coach Walter Lung
“For many of the players, it is the first time competing internationally. We are coming here to prepare this team for the South American championship. I hope that the team will give its best performance.”
Dominican Republic Head Coach Wagner Picheco
“We have a young team with 60 percent playing a tournament for the first time, for many of them an official tournament, but we hope to perform our best to reach one objective that is a berth to Worlds and after that maybe win a medal to climax two years of work”.
Puerto Rico Head Coach Juan Carlos Rodriguez
“Puerto Rico is a team with good height. For several players this will be their first major tournament. The goal is to qualify to the World Championship, and we hope for the girls to make their job and that they focus in what each one has to do.”
USA Head Coach Jamie Morrison
“We are excited to see the next generation of athletes from across the NORCECA and South American zones represent their countries and compete against each other. For a lot of athletes, this might be the first time representing their country and that’s a special thing. We are looking forward to competing against the best and learning in the process.”
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