USA picks up 3-0 win over Venezuela in the opening match of Pan Am Cup – Volleyball News
The VII Men’s Pan American Volleyball Championship started off in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Monday, July 9 and the US team dug up success in the opening match of the tournament.
The U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team worked out an amazing performance and held off Venezuela for 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-12) victory. It was the second match in Pool B, which helped USA to improve to 1-0 in the tournament. Earlier in the day, Brazil defeated
Mexico in first match of Pool B.
Success of US team was mainly credited to the duo of Daniel McDonnell and Taylor Sander. They helped the team with 12 points apiece. On the other hand, Venezuela was supported by Kervin Pinerua, who tallied team-high 11 points, in the loss.
The boys around US Head Coach Shawn Patchell started out with a couple of good serves that helped the team to earn an early lead. Furthermore, Venezuela got into trouble as the US hitters, Taylor Sander and McDonnell, started the heavy strike of volleys.
The gap of points quickly stretched out and first set of the match inched its ways to the end. Americans led the scores all the way till set points and eventually closed opening stanza at 25-17.
After dropping the first frame, the Head Coach of Venezuela regrouped his players. Comparatively saying, Venezuela played better in the second set and gave a good competition to opponents. However, the US team had the competitive edge of having one set-victory
in hand. They did not slow down and remained one step ahead of Venezuela in the match. As a result, the spectators saw an exchange of long rallies. Venezuela came close to USA on the scoreboard, but failed to overcome the resilient rivals. USA won another
set in row and extended its lead to 2-0.
In the third set, Venezuelan players looked visibly exhausted, while US team enjoyed a great rhythm and tone. With the help of strong offence and solid defence, the Americans dominated the scene and achieved a comfortable win over Venezuela by sending 25-12
on board in third set.
The setter of US team, Kawika Shoji shared his views after the match. He said: “Venezuelans played very well at the beginning of the match, but our good service made the difference.”
In the next run, the American team is scheduled to take on Mexico at the noon. Furthermore, the US squad will play its last match of the preliminary round on Wednesday against Brazil. Check back for more news and updates from the volleyball court.
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