Gatineau, 10 aug.- The United States kept their winning streak at the 15th Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-18 and 25-14) win over Chile in Pool B action at the Slush Puppie Centre.
Coming from a 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic in their opening match, the North American squad found strong opposition from Chile, who held a narrow lead 10-8 and then 16-15 at the second technical time-out. But the United States kept the pressure. With the set tied at 21 points, Jake Hanes’ solid attack and effective blocks led the USA to take the opening set 25-22.
Early in the second set, Chilean setter Matias Banda collided with a fellow player and fell to the ground. With Araya out, the South American squad struggled to keep up with the American offense. Patrick Gasman, Jake Hanes and Jacob Pasteur inflicted some damage in their opponents’ defense. After a long rally, Pasteur finished the 25-18 set victory with a solid cross attack.
Determined to finish the game in three sets, the USA came back strongly and built an early 5-0 lead. Pasteur continued to lead the offense and the team backed it up with effective blocks. Chile was never able to stop the American system as Kyle McCauley sealed the 25-14 set and match victory with a solid spike.
Jake Hanes led the USA performance with 15 points, followed by Pasteur (13). Vicente Parraguirre was Chile’s top scorer with 13 points.
Both undefeated in two matches, Cuba and the USA for the top position of Pool A on Thursday. The Dominican Republic and Chile will play for the third place in the Pool on the same day.
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