| Kobe, Japan, November 3, 2006 -- As expected, the United States defeated Cameroon in three sets in their third match of Pool C, but the Cameroonians certainly weren't overawed by the Americans' power.
The Americans won 25-17, 25-18, 25- and went 3-0 in the tournament. Cameroon fell to 0-3 in the Pool C standings.
The win may not have stretched the Americans too much, but the Cameroonians played with power, dignity and great enthusiasm.
They were also cheered on by a partisan crowd who shared the sheer joie de vivre to be found in their play.
While the Americans were all business, the Cameroon players were smiling and constantly shouting encouragement to each other.
Cameroon still played some huge points, inspired by the irrepressible Rebecca Rose Ngo Nkot, whose massive serves and spikes had the crowd fascinated.
She was backed up by Marie-Therese Ombassa Sombang, Ruth Diboue and Juliette Ahone Gamkoua.
The Americans were five points ahead at the first technical timeout and six ahead at the second. Tayyiba Haneef again played huge with strong support from Heather Bown, Jennifer Joines and Nancy Metcalf and led by captain Robyn Ah Mow-Santos.
A huge block by Danielle Scott, Therese Crawford and Metcalf sealed the first set.
The second set was closer, although the Cameroonians were still playing catchup.
But at the second TTO, there were only two points in it.
The Americans pulled away from 20-16 to 24-18 when another great block from Crawford, Joines and Metcalf ended the set.
In the third set, Cameroon actually went ahead, playing as much on enthusiasm as skill, but they were two points up at 7-5.
However, 9-9 was the turning point and the African team could only manage two more points as they went off the rails.
Katherine Wilkins sealed the match with a good spike. |
