USA Team is the new Women's Pan American Champion after defeating the Dominican Republic in straight sets in the gold medal match. Cuba won the bronze medal by beating Brazil also in consecutive sets. The newly crowned Americans overpowered their rivals 25-20, 25-18, 25-19, while Cuba had to battle the Brazilians in the third set finally winning 25-16, 25-19, 32-30. "We came in to play hard against the Dominicans who have a great level," said Danielle Scott, the USA captain. "Now we will keep working hard for our next compromises." In the first set USA once again had the good defense of Nancy Metcalf and Lindsey Berg and the attack from Sarah Noriega and Scott. Both teams played a levelled second set until the score was 10-10 when the Americans made a 7-0 rally that was decisive. The eventual champions jumped to a 16-10 lead in the third set but the Dominicans reacted to level at 18-18. The Americans regained control and obtained the crown with solid blocks and better team-work. "We leave this Pan American Cup very happy," said Dominican coach Jorge Garbey. "Now the next stop are the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo where we hope to win one of the medals." The four teams playing in the final day of the program qualified for next year World Grand Prix to be played in Italy. "This Cup was a lesson for us," said Cuban technical advisor Eugenio George. "We have a young team that need to play more consistently against the top teams. That's the only way to be up to par with the world volleyball." Wadson Lima, the Brazilian coach said: "We came here with a team that is heading to the next U-20 World Championship next September in Thailand. So we are very pleased with its performance." Scott received the champion's Cup alongside of head coach Yoshida Toshiaki while in the stadium PA system the song "We are the Champions" was played. The awards ceremony was presided over by Mr. Enrique Martinez, Governor of Coahuila State, Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, President of NORCECA Confederation, and Mr. Alejandro Salinas, President of the Mexican Volleyball Federation. Dominican Milagros Cabral was elected the Most Valuable Player and Best Attacker. Other awards went to Liz Backman (USA), blocker; Zoila Barros (CUB), server; Logan Tom (USA), receiver; Lindsay Berg (USA), setter; Alexandra Spreb (BRA), defense; Evelyn Carreras (DOM), libero. Final positions: 1. USA, 2. Dominican Republic, 3. Cuba, 4. Brazil, 5. Venezuela, 6. Canada, 7. Puerto Rico, 8. México.