USA versus Costa Rica for JapanĂ˘âŹâ˘s ticket

USA versus Costa Rica for Japan’s ticket

Orlando, Florida - Hosts United States and Costa Rica meet on Wednesday in the final match of the Women’s Norceca-G, a third-round tournament toward the 2010 FIVB World Championship in Japan. Both teams improved their win-loss record to 2-0.

The winner will receive direct entry into the world event’s final round with the loser advancing to the four-team Norceca’s Playoff Round next month in Tijuana, Mexico, where the last two Norceca’s vacancies will be filled.

The USA Women’s National Team handled visiting Barbados 25-6, 25-11, 25-12 and Costa Rica Costa Rica defeated Netherlands Antilles 25-16, 25-9, 25-23.

Kristin Richards came off the USA bench in the second set and scored a match-high 11 points filling in for an injured Cynthia Barboza, who scored 10 points before leaving the match. Angie Pressey added 11 additional points, while Tayyiba Haneef-Park chipped in seven points. Heather Bown, Christa Harmotto and Jane Collymore all racked up five points.

Team USA held a sizeable 43-12 kill advantage while adding a 10-0 margin in aces. The U.S. also out-blocked Barbados 4-2.

“I thought our team improved on a few phases of the game tonight,” U.S. Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon said. “We are excited to get back out on the court for tomorrow’s match with Costa Rica.”

Verania Willis notched a match-high 19 points with 14 kills, four aces and a block for Costa Rica. Sister Angela Willis chipped in 10 points in the victory, followed by Mariela Quesada’s nine points.

Christine Anthony paced Netherlands Antilles with 13 points, while teammate Samira Luis added five points off the bench.

“It was a good game,” Costa Rica Head Coach Henry Rodriguez said. “We had good tactics in the first and second sets and controlled their best player, No. 7 (Christine Anthony). In the third set, Netherlands Antilles came out with a strong attack and our reception was not as good. In the end, we were able to maintain control to win the set. I want to commend Netherlands Antilles for its very good defense.”