In Teee Williams' aloha performance with the U.S. national women's volleyball team yesterday, the Americans were overwhelmed by two-time Olympic champion Cuba, 15-10, 15-13, 15-4, in the Bank of Hawaii Cup finale. A Special Events Arena crowd of over 5,000 saw the U.S. fall to 5-4 on the Grand Prix tour and fall into a must-win situation against Russia (4-5) this Thursday in Hong Kong, the last qualifying tour stop.
"Our first match is a big, big one," said U.S. coach Terry Liskevych, whose team will also face the Netherlands (2-7) and China (7-2) this week. "It's between us and Russia who will go on to Shanghai (site of the Grand Prix finals). It will come down to that first match.
"That loss to Japan (Saturday, 3-2) looms big. It's made the standings a little tighter."
The loss yesterday to Cuba made it a little sadder to say goodbye to Williams, the former University of Hawaii All-American. Her national team career ended the same way her Wahine career did in 1989: with a disappointing defeat.
"It was great to finish my career here, in front of the great Hawaii fans," said Williams, who had 13 kills and a match-high three blocks. "It was always great to play in Hawaii and I'll miss the fans, and the people here.
"I wish the (U.S.) team the best of luck in Hong Kong. I think they're in great shape. It's a decision I had to make and I think I made the right one."
Williams' contract with USA Volleyball expired yesterday, although she had the option to extend for another two weeks. Instead, she will be taking two weeks off before heading for Italy to continue her professional career.
Elaine Youngs, the former UCLA standout, is the heir apparent to Williams' spot on the left side. But Liskevych, who retires at the end of the year, knows it will be hard to replace Williams.
"Teee's a great outside hitter," said Liskevych. "She's one of the few players we've had in this program that can hit the ball at a real high level and make things happen. Today, she penetrated a couple of times on the blocks. We'll miss her on our next leg. She's been a real mainstay at outside hitter for USA Volleyball."
"Teee's my best friend," said Tara Cross-Battle, the former Long Beach State All-American. "I wish I had a couple of more weeks to play with her but I'm happy she's happy with her decision.
"She's a great player to play with and a great person to be around. I'm going to miss her a lot, not just on the court but off the court."
The U.S. block was missing in action on the court toward the end of the match. Cuba trailed in Game 2, 8-2 and 10-6, before roaring back behind Ana Fernandez, Yumilka Ruiz and Regla Bell.
Bell had eight of her 13 kills in Game 2 and finished the rally with her second ace, a ball that dive-bombed in front of Williams.
The closest the U.S. came in Game 3 was 5-3. Cuba reeled off six unanswered points and, on their first shot at aloha ball at 14-5, saw Cross-Battle hit wide to end it after 92 minutes.
"The U.S. played very intelligently but our team kept improving as the match went on, particularly our serve-receive," said Cuba coach Antonio Perdomo. "Our physical condition and stamina was evident in Game 2 and that was the difference in Game 3."
"The key was that second game," said Liskevych. "We were very aggressive but you have to keep coming at Cuba, they are so tough. With their young kids, they're going to be good for years to come."
Cuba, Brazil and host China have already qualified for the Grand Prix finals, Sept. 27-29. The fourth berth could be decided on game differential: the U.S. is currently 21-18, Russia 17-17.
On Sept. 7, the Americans downed Russia, 15-10, 15-13, 15-13.
The U.S., Netherlands and Japan all finished the Bank of Hawaii Cup with 1-2 records. The U.S. claimed second place based on game differential.
Danielle Scott led the U.S. with 22 kills, with Cross-Battle adding 13. Fernandez finished with 19 kills for Cuba and Ruiz 16.
Motoko Obayashi, who had 16 kills in the upset of the U.S. Saturday, put down 24 yesterday.