Brazil's Joyce Silva contributed to the straight sets victory over Argentina on Sunday

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, July 15, 2012 – Brazil continued to build towards the London 2012 Olympic Games as they and Cuba stay top of Pools A and B of the XI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup respectively, with just one more day remaining in the preliminary phase of the competition. Both teams have a 4-0 win-loss record.

USA beat Colombia in four sets as they also build towards the games.

In Sunday’s action, Cuba came from behind to edge Dominican Republic in a dramatic five-set battle between undefeated teams while Brazil swept Argentina in consecutive frames.

Also, Costa Rica edged Trinidad & Tobago in five sets while Puerto Rico and Peru won over Canada and Mexico respectively.

In Monday’s action, Puerto Rico play Colombia, Peru take on Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina face off Costa Rica, Cuba go against Canada, United States clash with Dominican Republic and Brazil meet Mexico.

Pool A

Puerto Rico 3, Canada 0
Puerto Rico recorded their first victory by downing Canada in straight sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-18) in Pool A. Both sides have identical 1-3 win-loss records. Yarimar Rosa scored 19 points to lead Puerto Rico while Stephanie Enright added 11. Daly Santana, Jetzabel Del Valle and Amanda Vásquez each contributed eight points to the victory. Canada’s Sarah Pavan finished with 17, including four blocks.

United States 3, Colombia 1
USA improved to a 3-1 record in Pool A after prevailing 3-1 (25-27, 25-21, 25-13, 25-17) against winless Colombia (0-4). Lauren Gibbemeyer finished with 22 points, half of them via blocks, and Kristin Richards added 12. Nancy Metcalf and Nicole Fawcett each chipped in nine in the balanced attack. Colombia’s Diana Arrechea registered 20 points and Lorena Zuleta added 14. USA held a 20-4 margin in the blocking category.

Cuba 3, Dominican Republic 2
Cuba scored a remarkable comeback victory over Olympic hopefuls Dominican Republic recovering from a 0-2 deficit to prevail in a thrilling tie-breaker. The final score was 17-25, 18-25, 25-8, 25-21, 15-13 and Cuba improved to a 4-0 record while Dominican Republic dropped to 3-1. Wilma Salas spearheaded Cuba with 23 points, followed by Yanelis Santos (13), Yoana Palacios (11) and Ana Cleger (10). For Dominican Republic, Annerys Vargas finished with 15. Candida Arias and Gina Mambru charted 12 apiece while Prisilla Rivera and Brayelin Martinez each had 10 points.

Pool B

Brazil 3, Argentina 0
Brazil held off a relentless Argentina 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 27-25) to remain undefeated in four outings. Argentina evened their record at 2-2. Natasha Farinea and Gabriela Braga each recorded 12 points to share the lead of the balanced Brazilian offense. Priscila Daroit added 10 while Andressa Picussa and Joyce Silva charted nine apiece. Argentina’s Lucia Fresco and Emilce Sosa finished with 13 and 10 points respectively and Mariangeles Cossar tallied nine.

Costa Rica 3, Trinidad & Tobago 2
Costa Rica won a tough five-set battle against Trinidad & Tobago (25-22, 24-26, 19-25, 26-24, 15-12) to equalize their record at 2-2 while the defeated side fell to 1-3. Verania Willis topped the winners with 26 points, followed by Angela Willis with 15, including six blocks. Paola Ramirez and Karen Cope collected 13 and 12. Trinidadian Kelly-Anne Billingy had a tournament-high 29 points while Krystle Esdelle and Karen Cope added 22 and 14 in the losing effort.

Peru 3, Mexico 0
Peru swept Mexico (25-18, 25-19, 25-14) to improve to a 3-1 record while the home team remained winless in four outings. En route to the victory, the Peruvians established huge margin both in blocks (11-4) and serving aces (6-0). Brenda Uribe and Clarivett Yllescas led Peru with 16 and 15 points respectively while young Angela Leyva added 12. Mexico’s Alejandra Isiordia and Lizbeth Sainz finished with 13 and 11 respectively.

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