USA's Nancy Metcalf scored 25 points to lead the victory over Dominican Republic on Thursday

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, July 19, 2012 – Defending champions Brazil will square off against United States in the match for the gold medal of the XI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup following successful semifinal outings on Thursday.

Both teams scored four-set victories with Brazil downing Cuba and Unites States putting aside Dominican Republic. The defeated sides will meet for the bronze.

Friday’s action also features Puerto Rico against Argentina for the fifth position with both teams already qualified to the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix, as fourth and second placed NORCECA and South American teams respectively.

In the first match of the final day, Canada and Peru will play for seventh place.

Brazil 3, Cuba 1
Defending champions Brazil defeated Cuba in four sets (27-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-17) to advance to the gold medal match. The South Americans held the advantage in blocks (12-7) and aces (6-3). Gabriela Braga was Brazil’s leading scorer with 14 points followed by Priscila Dairot, Andressa Picussa and Joyce Silva who collected 11 points. Natasha Farinea contributed 10. Cuba’s Yoana Palacios had a match-high 16 points. Yanelis Santos (14), Wilma Salas (12) and Gyselle Silva (10) also finished with double figures.

United States 3, Dominican Republic 1
USA sealed a spot in the gold medal match by defeating Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 24-26, 25-16). USA’s Nancy Metcalf and Kristin Richards totaled 25 and 20 points while Jennifer Tamas and Lauren Gibbemeyer chipped in with 10 apiece. Dominican Republic’s Sidarka Nuñez had 19 and Bethania De la Cruz charted 11 tallies. The Americans held a 16-10 advantage in the blocking category with Tamas registering 5 and Metcalf and Alicia Glass 4 apiece.

Argentina 3, Canada 1
Lucia Fresco charted 27 points to lead Argentina to a four-set (23-25, 25-14, 26-24, 25-14) victory over Canada in the qualification round. The tall Argentinean was followed by Emilce Sosa (12) and Leticia Boscacci (10). Canada’s Shanice Marcelle had 15 points while Sarah and Rebecca Pavan finished with 14 and 10 respectively.

Puerto Rico 3, Peru 1
Yarimar Rosa totaled 20 points and Jetzabel Del Valle and Amanda Vasquez each registered 15 points to carry Puerto Rico to a 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21) victory over Peru. Stephanie Enright and Daly Santana contributed 12 and 10 respectively. Peru’s Brenda Uribe finished with 13 points while Carla Rueda and Clarivet Yllescas chipped in with 12 apiece.

Costa Rica 3, Trinidad & Tobago 2
Costa Rica defeated Trinidad & Tobago in five sets (25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-6) in the match for the ninth position. The winners outblocked the opposition 16-6 and benefited from 46 rivals’ unforced errors. Verania Willis and Karen Cope had 14 and 13 points for Costa Rica while Angela Willis and Paola Ramirez each had 10. For the defeated side, Krystle Esdelle and Kelly-Anne Billingy finished with 16 and Channon Thompson added 12.

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