Incoming Stanford freshman Hayley Hodson and Cardinal grad Cassidy Lichtman combined to score 21 points, nearly matching their opponents total output, and the United States national women’s volleyball team beat Costa Rica, 25-11, 25-9, 25-5, at the Women’s Pan American Cup in Lima, Peru on Monday.
The Americans, who also feature Stanford grad Alix Klineman and Kristen (Richards) Hildebrand and Cardinal senior Inky Ajanaku, improved to 3-0 in Pool A at the event, a qualifier into the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix.
Team USA meets Mexico on Tuesday at 3 p.m, and concludes round-robin play on Wednesday against Argentina at 5 p.m. The Pool A winner advances directly to the semifinal round.
Michelle Bartsch, playing in her first international tournament for Team USA, scored 16 points, all on kills, in her first starting nod.
Hodson had 10 kills on 19 errorless attacks, two blocks and an ace. She also had nine digs. Lichtman added five kills on 11 swings and three aces.
Team USA’s serve caused problems with Costa Rica as the Americans held an 11-1 ace advantage. The U.S. secured a 3-1 block advantage over Costa Rica.
As a team, the U.S. had nine excellent receptions on 20 chances and out-dug Costa Rica 34-8. Team USA held Costa Rica to a 17.5 kill percent and negative .053 hitting efficiency (10-13-57).
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA volleyball
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA volleyball
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA volleyball