July 1, 2009

MIAMI, Fla. -- - Nittany Lion graduate Christa Harmotto and the U.S. Women's National Team finished with a perfect 5-0 record after five days of pool play in the Eighth Women's Pan American Cup at the University of Miami's Bank United Center. The U.S. earned an automatic berth into the semifinal round on July 3, as well as the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix.

The U.S. women played their final two Pool A games against Peru and Puerto Rico. Versus Peru on June 29, Harmotto contributed 10 points with three blocks as the U.S. won, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 26-24).

The following night in a battle of the unbeatens, the United States secured a 3-1 (25-15, 25-20, 24-26, 25-23) victory against Puerto Rico. Harmotto started at middle blocker in the match and finished with five points. Puerto Rico finished pool play with a 4-1 record.

Harmotto was a four-year member of the Penn State women's volleyball team under head coach Russ Rose. She helped guide the Nittany Lions to back-to-back NCAA National Titles in her final two seasons at PSU.

2009 Women's Pan American Cup Schedule for the U.S. Women
Pool A
(at University of Miami)
Standings: USA 5-0, Puerto Rico 4-1, Peru 3-2, Costa Rica 2-3, Mexico 1-4, Guatemala 0-5
June 26: #4 United States def. Costa Rica 25-7, 25-6, 25-16

June 27: #9 United States def. Guatemala 25-7, 25-12, 25-7
June 28: #14 United States def. Mexico 25-19, 25-14, 25-11

June 29: #19 United States def. Peru 25-22, 25-21, 26-24
June 30: #24 United States def. Puerto Rico 25-15, 25-20, 24-26, 25-23