(FEB 27)  (COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – American bantamweight Christina Cruz (New York, N.Y.) enjoyed a major victory on Friday at the Strandja Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. Cruz put an end to the American losing streak against Chinese foes with her semifinal win over Piaopiao Liu in today’s semifinal action. Flyweight Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, Texas) will take home a bronze medal from the international tournament following her semifinal loss.

Cruz took a 2-1 decision over Liu in their semifinal match-up to advance the American boxer on to a final round contest with her World Championships’ conqueror Stanimira Petrova of host nation Bulgaria. Petrova went on to win gold in the 2014 Elite Women’s World Championships in November, but Cruz is looking to avenge her recent loss in their final round meeting on Saturday.

Fuchs took on a Bulgarian opponent in Friday’s semifinals but dropped a 2-1 decision to Stoyka Petrova in their flyweight match. Her semifinal round finish gives Fuchs a bronze medal in the international tournament.

Coaches Israel Acosta (Milwaukee, Wis.), Joe Guzman (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Andrews Soto (Phoenix, Ariz.) are leading the U.S. squad in the first international tournament of the year in Bulgaria.

U.S. Results

112 lbs: Stoyka Petrova, BUL, dec. Virginia Fuchs, Kemah, Texas/USA, 2-1

119 lbs: Christina Cruz, New York, N.Y./USA dec. Piaopiao Liu, CHN, 2-1