United States downs Peru in four sets

HERMOSILLO, Mexico, August 21, 2022.- The United States downed Peru 3-1 (25-13, 21-25, 25-22, 25-17) in pool A of the 19th Women’s Pan American Cup at Sonora Arena of Hermosillo.

The United States dropped the second set despite their strong effort to recover from a five-point deficit (5-10) for a 25-21 finish for Peru.

The U.S. prevailed over Peru with a huge 13-4 margin in blocks, a 54-46 advantage in kills and 4-2 lead in service points. Both teams allowed 25 points from unforced errors.

Outside hitter Danielle Drews of the United States led all scorers with 19 points on 15 kills, 2 blocks and 2 aces; outside hitter Avery Skinner scored 17 points on 16 kills and one block and middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan contributed with 12 points on 10 kills and 2 blocks.

Outside hitter and team captain Karla Ortiz of Peru scored 17 points on 16 kills and one block, followed by middle blocker Ginna Lopez and outside hitter Ysabella Sanchez added 10 points each.

On the second day of competition of pool A, the United States faces Puerto Rico and Peru against the Dominican Republic.

Skinner of USA attacking against double block of Peru

Danielle Drews, top scorer of the United States: “It was a very exciting first game for this group, there was a little of those first game jitters caused us to grind into some ups and downs; but we were able to stay strong as a team and to stay together to end up with the win”.

Bradley Rostratter, head coach of the United States: “The first win was great, it was an awesome atmosphere, great for these girls to get this experience to a tough Peru team. We’re learning to play together, as much as we wanted to be perfect as coaches it’s not always going to be. Peru created some good service pressure and offensively they had some really good swings”.

Francisco Hervas, head coach of Peru: “The first games are always difficult and more against such a physical team like the United States, we knew it was going to be hard, but the girls put up a fight, they worked hard and there is much to compete as the tournament is long. Winning a set leaves us with more positive sensations”. 

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