(July 20, 2002)

Americans Take Gold And Silver At First 2002 Grand Slam

MARSEILLE, FRANCE (July 20, 2002) Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs on Saturday snatched the gold medal here at FIVB Grand Slam in Southern France when they defeated fellow Americans Kerri Walsh and Misty May in a lackluster final where the silver medallists struggled, but never found their rhythm. The match ended 2-0 (21-19, 21-12 for McPeak and Youngs. Youngs won here last year but with a different partner.

Earlier, Australians Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook won the Bronze Medal, their third this season, by pulling off a victory over Adriana Behar and Shelda of Brazil. The current World Champions put up a brave fight but with Shelda clearly in pain from a pulled thigh muscle, they were never able to get on top of the match. The "Cat" as she is often called for her feline springs for the ball, hardly was able to jump at all and often almost crumpled with pain.

[Source: FIVB Press Delegate Michaela Binder onsite: Phone: +43 699 19540276,email: michaela_binder@gmx.at]