U.S. claim bronze in X Women’s Pan American Cup – Volleyball news
The U.S. and Dominican Republic’s women’s volleyball teams met in the semi-final round of the X Women’s Pan American Cup in Juarez, Mexico, on Friday, July 5th. The U.S. squad was beaten by the Dominican Republic 3-1 and was up against Cuba on
Saturday, July 6th, in an attempt to secure the bronze medal. In a victory that had redemption written all over it, the U.S. team was able to hand out a defeat to the Cubans in a clean sweep.
The first set of the match took on a competitive tone as both teams were engaged in a battle to prove their dominance. However, after winning the first set of the game in a close call, the rest of the two sets were comfortable wins for the American squad.
By the time the Americans were preparing to adorn the bronze medal around their necks, the final set score stood at the following figures: 25-21, 25-16 and 25-13.
The first set of the match saw both teams reach a tie position at 4-4. However, the U.S. team did not let the set stay on level ground for long and took the lead for themselves by going on a 3-0 run. Cuba stayed on the heels of the American team and was
able to close in the gap at 20-16. The Americans did not relent and the Cubans could not come much closer as they U.S. squad headed towards a 25-21 first set win.
The start of the second set of the game saw the Cubans keep the advantage with themselves at 8-6. Despite the deficit at which the U.S. team found themselves, they were able to step up their game and come into a leading position at 16-10. This was made possible
after going on a 10-2 run. After this point, the Cuban morale gradually decreased as they let the Americans go towards another set win at 25-16.
The third set of the game was pretty much one sided as the Americans were able to take the lead at 4-1 and extend it at 10-4. Playing with a two set deficit weighed heavily on the Cubans who could not step up their game to provide a challenge to the Americans
squad. As a result, it was not a tough job for the Americans to bag the final set of the game at 25-13.
Despite the fact that the Americans could not get the top position, they were able to get their hands on a much awaited opportunity. The U.S. squad has qualified to be a part of the 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix as they were able to make it to the semi-finals
of the Pan Am Cup.
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