Just call them the Golden Girls.
Cynthia Barboza scored a match-high 13 points to lead United States to the gold medal of the NORCECA Youth Girls" Volleyball Championship with a 3-0 win Monday night over the Dominican Republic at Salt Lake Community College.
Barboza had a match-high 10 kills, five digs, two blocks and one service ace to lead Team USA to a 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 win. Marcie Hampton had nine points on nine kills along with five digs as the Americans finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, losing just one set in the five matches. Nicole Britenriker added seven points in the win, while Katelyn Bishop and Diane Copenhagen each chipped in with six points apiece.
"I'm really proud of how well we executed our offensive and defensive game plan,' said Team USA head coach Jim Miret. "The Dominicans are very athletic, and they are a team that you don't want to let get momentum."
Hampton earned "Best Attacker' honors for the tournament, while Barboza was named "Best Serve Receiver." Angie McGinnis of the United States was named the "Best Setter." It was that type of balance that helped the United States dominate the tournament.
"We had so many different kids play well on different nights," added Miret. "When that happens, you are going to win a lot of matches."
Sidarka de los Milagros Nunez led the Dominican Republic with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks.
Other individual awards: Karla Echenique of the Dominican Republic was named the "Best Server;" Kimberly Todd of Canada was named "Best Blocker;" Tejaira Ruiz of Puerto Rico earned "Best Digger" honors; and Alexandra Caso Sierra of the Dominican Republic was named "Best Libero." Canada's Sarah Pavan, the top scorer in the tournament, was named the Most Valuable Player.
"It's very exciting,' said McGinnis. "I've never won any big competitions, let alone an international competition."
Youth teams are comprised of players born on or after Jan. 1, 1986 (16-years-old-and-under). With the win, the United States earned an automatic bid to the 2003 Girls' Youth World Championships in Malaysia.
Standings
Gold Medal - USA (5-0)
Silver Medal - Dominican Republic (2-3)
Bronze Medal - Puerto Rico (3-2)
Canada (0-5)
Monday's results
Bronze Medal Match Puerto Rico def. Canada 3-2 (21-25, 25-19, 25-14, 31-33, 15-12)
Championship Match United States def. Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-19)