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”.
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