USA Team players pose with their medals and trophy during the award ceremony of the NORCECA Women's Junior Championship on Saturday night in Tijuana

USA Team players pose with their medals and trophy during the award ceremony of the NORCECA Women's Junior Championship on Saturday night in Tijuana

Tijuana, Mexico, July 10, 2010 - USA kept alive its successful winning streak at the NORCECA Women’s Junior Volleyball Championship by winning a fourth consecutive gold medal following a straight sets victory (25-22, 25-20, 25-20) over the Dominican Republic on Saturday night in Mexico, Tijuana.

Both teams had secured berths in next year’s FIVB World Championship due to take place in Peru.

American Jane Croson, the best attacker of the tournament, was elected as the Most Valuable Player.

Cuba captured the bronze medal and the last ticket available to the World Championships by sweeping Mexico 25-20, 25-19, 25-21.

“We are very happy about winning against a great team like the Dominican Republic,” USA Coach Robert Browning said. “We didn’t play perfect but you can’t do that against that kind of opponent. But the girls kept the calm and played consistently during the whole week.”

Brazilian coach of the Dominican Republic Wagner Pacheco stated: “It was a superb tournament and USA didn’t lose a single set. It was a good match but we failed some key points at the end of the sets. I am a little bit sad but also satisfied because we achieved the goal of winning a medal and reaching the World Championshipa.”

About winning the bronze medal, Cuban Yusnieska Robles said: “After losing last night against the Dominican Republic, we were determined to win the remaining ticket to the World Championship.”

USA v Dominican Republic

United States defeated the Dominican Republic in consecutive sets (25-22, 25-20, 25-20) to win its fourth gold medal in a row and fifth overall. The Dominicans have been runners-up on each of the last four editions. Kelly Reeves, the only American in double figures, was the match’s top scorer with 15 points. Jane Croson and Stephanie Holthus added eight and seven points respectively. Dominicans Ana Yorkira Binet, Marianne Fersola and Candida Arias recorded 14, 12 and 10 points.

Cuba v Mexico

Cuba downed Mexico in straight sets (25-20, 25-19, 25-21) to claim the bronze medal and the remaining ticket to next year’s FIVB Junior World Championship. Cuba’s captain Yusnieska Robles recorded 23 points, including two blocks and two aces, while Rosana Giel, Jennifer Alvarez and Sulian Matienzo registered 15, 14 and 9 points respectively. Samantha Bricio was the only Mexican with double digits with 13 points.

Puerto Rico v Canada

Puerto Rico claimed fifth place by defeating Canada in straight sets (25-18, 26-24, 25-19) in the first match on Saturday. Puerto Rican Diana Reyes led the winners with 15 points, Genesis Collazo and Daly Santana each compiled 11 tallies and Keyla Rodriguez contributed nine points. Canadians Lisa Barclay and Meaghan Robertson registered 12 and 10 respectively.

Final positions: 1. USA, 2. Dominican Republic, 3. Cuba, 4. Mexico, 5. Puerto Rico, 6. Canada, 7. Costa Rica, 8. El Salvador, 9. Trinidad & Tobago, 10. Guadeloupe.

Individual awards:

Best Scorer: Ana Yorkira Binet (DOM)

Best Attacker: Jane Croson (USA)

Best Blocker: Haleigh Hampton (USA)

Best Server: Marisha Herbert (TRI)

Best Digger: Brenda Castillo (DOM)

Best Receiver: Brenda Castillo (DOM)

Best Libero: Brenda Castillo (DOM)

Best Setter: Gabriela Reyes (DOM)

MVP: Jane Croson (USA)