Day 1 summary from the XIth U.A.N.A. Pan American Junior Women's Championships

Game #1 PU 5 BRA 16

Puerto Rico played a strong first quarter, but Brazil was too powerful for the rest of the game. Using  mostly the centre post, Brazil got easy exclusions and converted on the extra man frequently. The game opened up in the third quarter, with Brazil scoring from counter attacks and exclusions. That third quarter the score was 7-1 for Brazil.

Next game for Brazil is against Venezuela, while Puerto Rico plays Canada.

Referees:  Hélène PAINCHAUD (CAN) and Gustavo SERRANO (MEX)
UANA Delegate:  Jim CULLINGHAM

Game #3 MEX 10 VEN 7

Mexico came out strong in the first two quarters and dominated Venezuela. Mexico used mostly counter attacks, while Venezuela based their game on the centre post and the strong shooting of Solalyn Martinez (#8), who had 4 goals for the game.

Mexico opened the game up in the second quarter with six goals, while at the same time kept Venezuela out of their offensive rhythm closing the middle. Mexico’s next game will be against the United States and Venezuela will play Brazil.

Referees:  Charissa HACKSHAW (TRI) and Guillermo GRGICEVIC (ARG)
UANA Delegate:  Manuel DE JESUS (PUR)

Game #2 USA 7 CAN 8

In a possible preview of the gold medal game, Canada barely beat USA by the slightest margin possible. USA had a chance to tie the game with two seconds left, but they missed an open four metre shot in front of the cage.

The game was played at an even level , with no team having more than a two goal lead. Both teams worked strong on the centre post attack and scored on 50% of the extra man, while Canada had three goals on seven extra man situations.

Next for the US team is Mexico and for Canada is Puerto Rico.

Referees:  Natacha FLORESTANO (BRA) and Gene DEL VALLE (PUR)
UANA Delegate:  Roberto CABRAL