HERMOSILLO, Mexico, August 24, 2022.- Canada grabbed their first win beating Nicaragua 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-19) in pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup being held at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo.
Despite Nicaragua’s good fight in the last two sets, Canada improved their record 1-2 and will face Mexico (2-1) in their last match of the preliminary round. Nicaragua (0-3) closes with Colombia (2-0).
Canada topped all stats with an impressive 46-29 in kills, a huge 11-0 margin in aces and a comfortable 8-4 advantage in blocks.
Canada’s team captain, outside hitter Melissa Langegger led with 12 points on 11 kills and one block, middle blocker Avery Heppell also contributed with 12 points on 8 kills, 2 blocks and 2 aces, joined by middle blocker Layne Van Buskirk with 11 points on 8 kills and a match-high in blocks (4) and aces (4).
Nicaraguan Hellen Traña led all scorers with 14 points on 13 kills and one block.
Caroly O’Dwyer, head coach of Canada: “As we found out so far in the tournament, winning is hard, so getting this win under our belt feels nice. We moved our serving and put in trouble our opponent, defensively we did a better job by hitting different angles and finding different ways to score. We close with Mexico, it will be exciting, tough to face them in front of a full crowd but it’s a good chance to feel the pressure and try to use it to our advantage”.
René Quintana, head coach of Nicaragua: “My team did their best effort, I am optimistic, we have a great spectacle despite the differences in practice, experience, and force. What’s important is that Central American volleyball does not look bad in these competitions”.
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