Olympic champions Brazil dethroned Dominican Republic to emerge new queens of the Women's Volleyball Pan American Cup with a straight sets win at the Colegio de Bachilleres Gymnasium on Saturday.The South Americans, winners in 2006 and 2009, won 25-20, 25-22, 25-19 in front of a packed house led by tournament's "Most Valuable Player" Sheila Castro and Thaisa Menezes who had 13 points each. Fernanda Rodrigues contributed 12 for the Brazilians who were also runners-up in 2007 and 2008 while they placed third in 2005.For the Dominicans, who have finished among the top three in each of the ten editions, Prisilla Rivera was the highest scorer with 19 points including six blocks while Bethania De la Cruz added ten. It was the fifth time Dominican Republic had finished second.In the third place encounter, 2003 winner USA also registered a straight sets win over four-time champion, Cuba 25-21, 25-16, 25-13, for a second year in a row.
Nancy Metcalf led the Americans with 18 points, Foluke Akinradewo got 13 and Jennifer JoPuerto Rico got an exciting come-from-behind victory over Argentina to earn the fifth spot, while Canada took seventh after battling past Peru.On Friday night, T&T had to settle for tenth spot for the second straight year, after losing out to host Mexico 18-25, 16-25, 25-14, 19-25T&T got a match-high 18 points each from fit-again captain, Krystle Esdelle and vice-captain, Kelly-Ann Billingy, while Poland-based 17-year-old Channon Thompson chipped in with 11. For Mexico, Martha Revuelta topscored with 15 points, Karla Sainz got 12, and Dulce Carranza added ten.
Individual awards
Most Valuable Player: Sheila Castro (Brazil)
Best Libero:
Brenda Castillo
(Dom Republic)
Best Digger: Brenda Castillo (Dom Republic)
Best Spiker:
Prisilla Rivera
(Dom Republic)
Best Server:
Lisvel Eve
(Dom Republic)
Best Scorer:
Sarah Pavan (Canada)
Best Setter:
Elena Keldibekova (Peru)
Best Blocker:
Thaisa Menezes (Brazil)
Best Receiver:
Fabiana De Oliveira (Brazil)
