U19 Girls Defeat Costa Rica in Second Pan Am Cup Match

Teraya Sigler hits in 2023 Pan Am Cup match vs. Costa Rica — Teraya Sigler hits vs. Costa Rica

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 9, 2023) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team continued its hot start with a second straight victory, this time over Costa Rica 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-12) at the NORCECA Pan American Cup on Wednesday in Puerto Rico.

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. jumped out to take command early thanks in part to high level serving. The team held a 15-2 advantage over Costa Rica, a mark that was among a few improvements noticed by head coach Keegan Cook.

“Certainly pleased with our service pressure and our improvement blocking and transitioning,” Cook said. “I thought communication improved tremendously across the board even as we mixed lineups. I thought the athletes did a nice job of binding to the systems of play that we have agreed on.”

Libero Ava Falduto had 14 serve receptions and one dig on the match. Falduto was proud of the progress she has already seen from her squad in just two matches.

“I think we are getting better each time we step on the court together,” Falduto said. “It’s been really fun competing with these girls and I think this team has a ton of potential we haven’t even reached yet. Everyone has been doing a great job filling their roles.”

Stout defense was also a key factor in the win. The U.S. held a 7-4 advantage for the match in blocks over Costa Rica, with seven different athletes accounting for each block.

Outside hitter Julia Blyashov led the team in scoring with seven points. Outside hitter Kaci Demaria and middle blocker Calissa Minatee followed closely with six points each. The U.S. held an impressive 30-11 advantage in attacks throughout the match.

Setters Izzy Starck and Logan Parks each ended the match averaging 2.33 sets

The U.S. Girls U19 Team will conclude pool play with a match against Mexico on Thursday. Match time is set for 1 p.m. PT. A win would earn the U.S. an automatic place in the semifinal match on Saturday.

No. Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Ridgefield HS, Columbia Empire)
2 Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lonestar)
3 Olivia Babcock (OPP, 6-4, 2005, Los Angeles, Calif., Sierra Canyon HS, Southern California)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, Plano West Senior HS, North Texas)
5 Julia Blyashov (OH, 6-3, 2005, San Diego, Calif., Cathedral Catholic HS, Southern California)
8 Kaci Demaria (OH, 6-4, 2007, San Pedro, Calif., Palos Verdes HS, Southern California)
9 Ava Falduto (L, 5-7, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., IC Catholic Prep, Great Lakes)
14 Calissa Minatee (MB, 6-0, 2005, Kansas City, Mo., University of Minnesota, Heart of America)
15 Logan Parks (OPP/S, 5-11, 2006, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley North HS, Heart of America)
17 Teraya Sigler (OH, 6-2, 2006, Horizon HS, Scottsdale, Ariz., Arizona)
18 Izzy Starck (S, 6-1, 2006, Colorado Springs, Colo., Rampart HS, Rocky Mountain)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., Timothy Christian HS, Great Lakes)

Head Coach: Keegan Cook
Assistant Coach: Krista Hendrickson
Assistant Coach: Cursty Le Roux
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno
Team Lead: Courtney Smith

Alternates
Suli Davis (OH, 6-2, 2007, Euless, Texas, Colleyville Heritage HS, North Texas)
Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., Washburn Rural HS, Heart of America)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Kelly Kinney (OH, 6-2, 2007, West Palm Beach, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida)
Ryan McAleer (L, 5-5, 2005, Leawood, Kan., Blue Valley HS, Heart of America)
Reese Messer (S, 5-11, 2006, Olathe, Kan., Saint James Academy, Heart of America)
Alec Rothe (MB, 6-3, 2006, Dublin, Ohio, Dublin Scioto HS, Ohio Valley)
Taylor Yu (S, 6-0, 2006, Temple City, Calif., Temple City HS, Southern California)