Guadalajara, Mexico, October 17, 2011 – World No.1 Brazil and the United States clinched semifinal spots in the women’s volleyball tournament at the XVI Pan American Games as winners of Pool A and B respectively as the competition in Guadalajara, Mexico on Monday.

Both teams will have a rest day on Tuesday while Cuba meet Peru and Dominican Republic play Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals.

In Monday’s action, Brazil defeated Cuba 3-1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18) while USA beat Mexico 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 31-29) to both finish with 3-0 record in pool play. In the other matches, Puerto Rico defeated Peru 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-11) and Dominican Republic outlasted Canada 3-2 (27-29, 22-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-12).

Brazil v Cuba
Brazil booked a direct ticket to the semifinals following a 3-1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18) victory over Cuba in Pool A. Five Brazilian players finished the match with double figures, led by Mari Steinbrecher and Paula Pequeno with 17 and 16 points respectively. Sheila Castro contributed 13 tallies while Fabiana Claudino and Thaisa Menezes each had 10 points including eight blocks by Fabiana. Cuba’s Yoana Palacios set a match-high 18 points and Kenia Carcaces added 17. Rosanna Giel and Gyselle Silva registered 10 apiece.

USA v Mexico
World No. 2 side USA clinched a spot in the semifinals after registering a 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 31-29) victory over Mexico in Pool B. The Americans finished with 13 blocks including five by Lauren Gibbemeyer and three by Jessica Jones. Alexandra Klineman was the best American scorer with 14 points while Gibbemeyer, Cynthia Barboza and Regan Hood all finished with 10 points. Samantha Bricio led Mexico with eight points.

Puerto Rico v Peru
Sarai Alvarez recorded 26 points and Stephanie Enright added 21 to lead Puerto Rico to a 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-11) victory over Peru in Pool B. Puerto Rico had a slight advantage of 12-11 in the blocking category and held a 4-1 margin in the aces department. Enright contributed five blocks and two aces while Alvarez had three blocks and one ace. Yulissa Zamudio and Mirtha Uribe topped Peru with 15 and 10 points respectively.

Dominican Republic v Canada
Dominican Republic scored a spectacular come-from-behind victory over Canada as they rallied back from two sets down to win 3-2 (27-29, 22-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-12) to advance to the quarterfinals round. Canada dominated the game at the net with 19 blocks against 10 from the winners. Bethania De la Cruz led the Dominicans with 23 points followed by Lisvel Eve (17) and Milagros Cabral (13). Canada had five players in double figures topped by Jennifer Hinze who had 18 including seven blocks. Sherline Holness and Tammy Mahon contributed 17 and 16 while Brittney Page and Elizabeth Cordonier had 11 and 10 respectively.