U21 Women Earn First Win at Pan Am Cup

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 24, 2023) – The U.S. U21 Women’s National Team is 1-0 at the 2023 Pan American Cup after earning a victory in the first match of the tournament. The U.S. defeated Guatemala in pool B 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-14) on Wednesday in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.

Volcanic activity disrupted the travel of some teams, delaying the start of the tournament until today. Despite the postponement, the U.S. looked unphased to begin pool play.

The team set the tone for the match with a strong defensive presence in front of the net. Libero Lauren Briseño led the team in digs, accounting for five of the 17 total. Middle Gabi Essix had five blocks and helped the team earn a 12-2 blocking margin over Guatemala. After the match, Essix highlighted how the team was well prepared with a defensive mindset.

“I think Coach Fisher had that be the key focus during our training block and when we arrived here,” said Essix. “I think that really came to fruition on the court today.”

Essix also led the scoring with 13 points and eight kills. She had a kill percentage just shy of 70 which mirrored the team percentage. Essix was supported by opposite Devin Kahahawai and outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer who each put up five kills.

The U.S. also capitalized on the serve with an 8-3 advantage in aces. Setter and captain Rachel Fairbanks accounted for two aces, as did outside hitter Chloe Chicoine.

As a team, the U.S. scored on 21 opponent errors. Head coach Dan Fisher was happy with the level of control the team showed in the first few sets of the tournament.

“It was good to finally get a game under our belt after a delay,” said head coach Dan Fisher. “I thought we kept a lot of pressure on them. We didn’t let them go on any big runs and so it was a good start.”

The U.S. U21 Women are scheduled to next play tomorrow at 6 p.m. PT vs. Dominican Republic.

2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup Roster
Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, College, USAV Region)

2 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, 2003, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor, Lone Star)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
5 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, 2003, Santa Ana, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
7 Mckenna Wucherer (OH, 6-1, 2004, Brookfield, Wis., Univ. of Minnesota, Badger)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Fort Wayne, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
10 Alexis Stucky (S, 6-2, 2004, Laramie, Wyo., Univ. of Florida, Rocky Mountain)
13 Gabrielle Essix (MB, 6-3, Hoover, Ala., Univ. of Florida, Southern)
14 Devin Kahahawai (Opp, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
15 Allie Sczech (Opp, 6-4, 2004, Sugar Land, Texas, Baylor, Lone Star)
16 Bre Kelley (MB, 6-4, 2003, Rockwall, Texas, Undecided. North Texas)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., Texas, Southern)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher
Assistant Coaches: Josh Walker and Jessica Aschenbrenner
Team Leader: Jeffrey Wanderer
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Duran
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg

Alternates
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pitt, Ohio Valley)
4 Caroline Bien (OH, 6-0, 2003, Overland Park, Kan., Univ. of Kansas, Heart of America)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
11 Mimi Colyer (OH, 6-3, 2004, Lincoln, Calif., Univ. of Oregon, Northern California)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
18 Kennedy Martin (OPP, 6-6, 2005, Fort Mill, S.C., Univ. of Florida, Badger)

U.S. Women’s U21 Schedule for the Pan American Cup
(All times PT)
May 24 USA vs Guatemala W 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-14)
May 25 6 p.m.: USA vs. Dominican Republic
May 26 10 a.m.: 4 p.m.: USA vs. Costa Rica
Quarterfinals
May 27 Classifications and Semifinals
May 28 Classifications and Finals