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

GATINEAU, Que. – Argentina secured an unbeaten run in Group B at the men’s Pan American Cup after defeating Canada in straight sets on Thursday.

Set scores were 27-25, 25-23 and 25-11.

Argentina (3-0) got off to a good start by taking an 8-4 lead at the first technical timeout. Canada bounced back to move ahead 17-16 and had a set point 24-23, but Argentina battled back to take it.

Canada (1-2) kept it close in the second set and it was squared up 21-21, but a serving and hitting error ensued for the South American side to go up two sets to none.

Argentina took advantage of hitting errors on the Canadian side in the third set for the match.

Canada opened group play by beating Venezuela but have now suffered back-to-back defeats after Wednesday’s loss to Puerto Rico.

“Our concentration on basic skills was better today (compared with the match against Puerto Rico yesterday),” said Canadian coach Larry McKay. “We also had some better individual performances today, so that’s a step forward for us… We’ll now try to get as much rest as we can and come out with a physical game tomorrow.”

Argentina advances directly to the semifinals on Saturday, along with Cuba from the other pool. Canada will play the Dominican Republic for a place in the final four.