Tijuana, Mexico, June 18, 2010 - Argentina and Canada played a breathtaking match in day one of the Women’s Pan American Cup with the South American side prevailing in five sets on Friday.

Puerto Rico, Cuba, USA and Trinidad & Tobago also came out victorious in the opening day of the qualifier to next year’s FIVB World Grand Prix.

Argentina v Canada

Argentina edged Canada in a sensational Pool A five-setter (22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 15-11) in the first international Volleyball contest at Reforma Sports Complex in Rosarito.

Argentineans Georgina Pinedo and Lucia Fresco finished the match with 19 and 14 points respectively while Canadian Sarah Pavan led the scorers with 23 points.

Puerto Rico v Costa Rica

Puerto Rico beat Costa Rica 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-19) in the second match with the Puerto Ricans dominating the blocking 10-3. Tatiana Encarnacion and Stephanie Enright topped the scores for the victors with 10 points.
 
Cuba v Brazil

Cuba used powerful serves and strong blocking to defeat Brazil 3-1 (27-25, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21) in their Pool B clash. The Cubans had an advantage of 12-5 in blocking and a 10-4 margin in serving aces. Kenia Carcaces led Cuba with 20 points while Ana Cleger and Liannes Castañeda contributed 17 and 11 points respectively. Brazilian Sthefanie Tieles led her side with 16 points.

USA v Peru

USA claimed a 3-0 (27-25, 25-22, 25-17) win over Peru in the opening match. Veteran middle-blocker Heather Bown led USA with 14 points while Jordan Larson contributed 11. Foluke Akinradewo and Megan Hodge charted 10 apiece. Yulissa Zamudio topped Peru with 10 points.

Trinidad & Tobago v Mexico

Trinidad & Tobago stunned hosts Mexico 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-23) in the last match of day one for its first victory in four years participation in the event. Krystle Esdelle and Kelly-Anne Billingy were the best scorers for the winners with 22 and 16 points respectively. Mexicans Andrea Rangel and Samantha Bricio led the defeated side with 16 and 15 points.