Unbeaten Argentina beats Canada 3-0 to top Group B of Pan American Cup

GATINEAU, Canada, July 27, 2017 - Argentina confirmed their gold medal ambitions with an unbeatable run on top of Group B of the 12^th Men’s Pan American Cup as they defeated Canada in three sets (27-25, 25-23 and 25-11) in one hour and a half at Gatineau’s Robert Guertin Arena.

Runner-up in the last two editions of the continental event, the South American nation aims to join a selective group of four countries that have lifted the crown at least once in the 11-year history of the tournament.

Argentina got off to a good start by taking an 8-4 lead at the first technical timeout. They stayed in front 16-13, but Canada bounced back to tie and move 17-16 ahead. They had a set point 24-23, but Pablo Crer, Sebastian Solé and Bruno Lima responded from the hitting line to take the win 27-25.

Both teams stayed evenly matched in the second set with Canada getting the edge 8-7 at the first timeout. Argentina bounced back and took the lead 16-13, but Canada kept fighting and managed to tie the set at 21. But a serving and hitting error ensued and it paid the way for the South Americans’ win 25-23.

Argentina took advantage of hitting errors on the Canadian side and Martin Ramos led them to an 8-3 lead at the first timeout. The South Americans kept adding pressure and doubled the lead to 16-8 at the second timeout.  Fabian Flores, who joined in the third set, contributed with four points from the middle. Their defense responded and Cristian Poglajen finished it off with two solid spikes to give Argentina a clean 3-0 sweep in all three preliminary matches.

The South American squad advanced automatically to the semifinals on Saturday. Canada will play the Dominican Republic on Friday for a place in the final four.

Julio Velasco, head coach of Argentina: “We played a good match. We could play all our substitutes. We need to play games in preparation for the South American Championships. That’s why we brought our best team here. We haven’t played in a while after the World League. We hope to meet Cuba. Cuba, the United States and the Dominican Republic have shown a good level. Every match is different and we will prepare well for the semifinals.

Larry McKay, head coach of Canada: “Our concentration on basic skills was better today (over the match vs Puerto Rico yesterday). We also had some better individual performances today, so that’s a step forward for us.  They brought a lot of confidence to the floor ….  We’ll now try to get as much rest as we can and come out with a physical game tomorrow.”