MATCH INFO

Sao Bernardo, Brazil, June 17 – Defending champions USA earned their sixth straight win in the 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix on Sunday, beating Brazil 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23) and dealing the Olympic champions their first defeat in the 20th edition of the premier women's annual tournament.

The United States keep their perfect win record and move to 18 points, while the Brazilians, which are on 11.

American receiver Jordan Larson and Brazilian middle-blocker Thaisa Menezes topped the scorers, with 20 points each. FIVB Hero Destinee Hooker added 19 points for the American side.

Brazil started the match better and scored 6-3 with Jaqueline spiking from the backcourt. The Americans reacted, tying the set at the 14th point, with a serve from Hooker, and took the lead after  that. With two blocks from Tom, Brazil came from behind to score 18-16. Taking advantage of American mistakes, the hosts improved their lead and won 25-20 with a powerful spike from Paula.

USA's good start in the second frame made Brazil coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes ask for a timeout with 5-2 on the scoreboard. His side did not react and the United States achieved a comfortable 8-3 lead at the first TTO. Taking advantage of the Brazilian offensive problems, the US easily improved, building their lead to 12-4. With Mari and Fernanda in the court, the South Americans improved their game and reduced the gap to three points, but the United States controlled the rivals’ reaction and won the set 25-18.

Helped by a great performance from Jordan Larson, the Americans started the third frame very well and quickly went ahead 10-3. With some new players, Brazil reduced the deficit to four points with Thaisa blocking. Both teams had ups and downs, but the United States managed to stay ahead and scored 25-18 with Hooker clinching the set.

The American dominance was clear again in the beginning of the fourth set, as Jose Roberto Guimaraes called a timeout early on. Brazil camera closer at 12-11 with a block from Jaqueline and tied 13-all when Tom spiked out, but Larson spiked hard to put the Americans ahead and they eventually clinched the win.

Brazil now heads to Luohe, to face hosts China, Cuba and Puerto Rico in Pool K. American’s next destination in the World Grand Prix will be Bangkok, where they will play against Thailand, Argentina and Serbia.