USA sweeps Dominican Republic to capture gold medal

by Paul Soriano USA Volleyball Manager, Public Relations & Publications

Just call them the "Golden Girls."

Cynthia Barboza scored a match-high 13 points to lead the United States to the gold medal of the NORCECA Youth Girls' Volleyball Championship with a 3-0 win over the Dominican Republic at the Lifetime Activities Center on the Salt Lake Community College campus Monday night.

In the bronze medal match, Puerto Rico defeated Canada 21-25, 25-19, 25-14, 31- 33, 15-12 behind the 30 kills by Sara Alvarez.

In the championship match, Barboza had a match-high 10 kills, five digs, two blocks and one service ace to lead Team USA to the 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 win. Marcie Hampton had nine points on nine kills along with five digs as the Americans finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, losing just one set in the five matches (15-1). Nicole Britenriker added seven points in the win, while Katelyn Bishop and Diane Copenhagen each chipped in with six points apiece.

"I'm really proud of how well we executed our offensive and defensive game plan," said Team USA head coach Jim Miret. "The Dominicans are very athletic, and they are a team that you don't want to let get momentum."

Hampton earned "Best Attacker" honors for the tournament, while Barboza was named "Best Serve Receiver." Angie McGinnis of the United States was named the "Best Setter." It was that type of balance that helped the United States dominate the tournament.

"We had so many different kids play well on different nights," added Miret. "When that happens, you are going to win a lot of matches."

Sidarka de los Milagros Nunez led the Dominican Republic with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks.

Other individual awards: Karla Echenique of the Dominican Republic was named the "Best Server;" Kimberly Todd of Canada was named "Best Blocker;" Tejaira Ruiz of Puerto Rico earned "Best Digger" honors; and Alexandra Caso Sierra of the Dominican Republic was named "Best Libero." Canada's Sarah Pavan, the top scorer in the tournament, was named the Most Valuable Player.

"It's very exciting," said McGinnis of the win. "I've never won any big competitions, let alone an international competition. All of our training paid off."

Youth teams are comprised of players born on or after Jan. 1, 1986 (16-years-old-and-under). With the win, the United States earned an automatic bid to the 2003 Girls' Youth World Championships in Malaysia.

The tournament is being hosted by the Intermountain Volleyball Association in conjunction with USA Volleyball, the National Governing Body of the sport, and NORCECA, the continental volleyball federation North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Standings

Gold Medal - USA (5-0) Silver Medal - Dominican Republic (2-3) Bronze Medal - Puerto Rico (3-2) Canada (0-5)

Monday's Results

Bronze Medal Match Puerto Rico def. Canada 3-2 (21-25, 25-19, 25-14, 31-33, 15-12)

Championship Match United States def. Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-19)

Individual Awards

Best Scorer: Sarah Pavan, Canada Best Attacker: Marcie Hampton, United States Best Blocker: Kimberly Todd, Canada Best Server: Karla Echenique Quinonez, Dominican Republic Best Setter: Angie McGinnis, United States Best Serve Receiver: Cynthia Barboza, United States Best Digger: Tejaira Ruiz, Puerto Rico Best Libero: Alexandra Caso Sierra, Dominican Republic

For complete tournament statistics, standings, rosters, pictures and more, go to the USA Volleyball web site.