USA – Canada
USA’s Lauren Gibbemeyer and Nancy Metcalf were the best scorers with 14 points apiece, while on the Canadian side, Sarah Pavan recorded 10 tallies.
The match also marked the return to the court of Stacy Sykora after a long rehabilitation from an accident a year ago in Brazil.
“Victory is always great. Canada is a very strong team and I am very happy for playing again. Actually this is my first Team USA match after that accident and I really wanted to get back and play volleyball again”, said Sykora.
For Canada’s Brittney Page this was also an important moment. She was named captain after the retirement of Tammy Mahon.
“This is my first match as captain and also the first one with the new group of players so we are trying to find our rhythm”, Page stated.
Despite this result, Canada’s coach Arnd Ludwig commented that he saw some good performances on his team, especially in the second set.
“USA found our weaknesses, especially in the pass and the other difference was in the unforced errors.”
Meanwhile USA’s coach Reed Sunahara commented about the fact of including Sykora only in the third set.
“I decided to use her just in the right time and she did a good job”, he remarked. “For me as coach and for USA Volleyball is unbelievable to see her recovering and we are very happy she is back again”.
