Posted by GEVA Web Editor on October 16, 2001 at 01:58:05:
USA Women Capture 2001 NORCECA Championship
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic -- For the first time in 18 years the
USA Women’s National Volleyball Team claimed the gold medal at the
NORCECA Zone Championships Sunday evening. Team USA defeated the number
one team in the world for the second time in three days to claim the
title. The U.S. defeated Cuba in four sets (20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 27-25)
and clinched a bid in the prestigious six-team FIVB Grand Champions Cup
in Japan later this year.
USA outside hitter Tara Cross-Battle (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach
State) was named the tournament’s most valuable player. She was excited
to break Cuba’s long hold on the NORCECA Zone title.
“I am so happy for this team,” said Cross-Battle. “We played so well
when it counted. Every player deserves this win. It feels real good to
know that we beat Cuba for the gold medal after nearly 20 years. It is
finally our turn to enjoy it.”
Team USA won the tournament despite the absence of outside hitter Logan
Tom (Salt Lake City, Utah). Tom is a junior at Stanford University and
did not travel with the team.
USA libero Stacy Sykora (Burleson, Texas/Texas A&M) was awarded the
tournament’s best receiver award. Sykora said it was exciting to see the
American Flag raised following the win.
“I think it is wonderful that Team USA can come together through
everything and win the gold tonight,” said Sykora. “The National Anthem
was the greatest moment tonight and the most memorable. To be standing
on the first place stand for two tournaments in a row is amazing and I
hope we only proceed to get better.”
USA opposite hitter Sarah Noriega (Ulysses, Kan./Loyola Marymount) turned
in a great performance in the finals. Noriega led all scorers with 21
points, including 15 kills and six blocks. Danielle Scott (Baton Rouge,
La./Long Beach State) finished with 14 kills and four blocks. Noriega
was named best blocker. USA setter Robyn Ah Mow (Honolulu, Hawaii/Univ.
of Hawaii) was the tournament’s best setter. USA middle blocker Heather
Bown (Yorba Linda, Calif./Univ. of Hawaii) rounded out the U.S. award
winners collecting the best attacker award.
Team USA returns to Colorado Springs, Colo., to train for the Grand
Champions Cup, played November 13-18. Other teams competing at the Cup
include Japan, Russia, China, Brazil and Korea. The U.S. will be
attempting to win its second major world competition this year. They
captured the 2001 FIVB Grand Prix for the first time since 1995 earlier
this year.
Brent Buzbee
Manager, Communications & Technology
USA Volleyball
715 S. Circle Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
(719) 228-6800
(719) 228-6813 - Fax
brent.buzbee@usav.org
www.usavolleyball.org