Canada's Kufske Bradley (9) scored 20 points to lead the five-set victory over Mexico on Tuesday at the U-23 Pan Am Cup

Langley, Canada, September 25, 2012 – Hosts Canada and Argentina opened with victories in the first day of action of the inaugural U-23 Men’s Pan American Cup at Langley Sport Centre on Tuesday.

Canada erased a two-set deficit to score a sensational comeback victory in five sets over a resilient young Mexico while Argentina needed four sets before prevailing against Dominican Republic.

In Wednesday’s action, Argentina meets Mexico while Brazil debuts playing Dominican Republic.

Canada 3, Mexico 2

Canada overcame a 0-2 deficit to defeat Mexico in five sets (20-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-13 and 15-13). Canada’s Bradley Kufske, Nick Del Bianco and Derek Thiessen finished with 20, 19 and 12 points respectively in the very closed match. For Mexico, participating with the U-19 unit, the top scorers were Enrique Ugalde and Mauricio Lopez, with 17 and 12 points.

“We came out really tight and pretty nervous,” Canada’s captain Jarrod Offereins said. “We didn’t bring a lot of energy and we were inside our own heads and unable to get into a good rhythm. Mexico did a great job of throwing us into that playing sound volleyball.”

Argentina 3, Dominican Republic 1

Argentina opened with a 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17) victory over Dominican Republic. Gonzalo Lapera tallied 20 points, including three blocks and one ace, to lead Argentina while Luciano Zorneta and Mauro Llanos added 9 and 8 respectively. Luis David Adames had a match-high 24 points for the defeated side and Pedro Garcia and Wilfrido Hernandez chipped in with 13 and 10 points.

“I feel glad after playing a good match on our side,” Argentina’s captain Gonzalo Quiroga said. “It is always great to begin with a victory and it gives us confidence to start the cup.”

Top Scorers by Day
24 – Luis Adames of Dominican Republic v Argentina 25-9-12

Top Scoring Performances
24 – Luis Adames of Dominican Republic v Argentina 25-9-12
20 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Dominican Republic 25-9-12
20 – Bradley Kufske of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12
19 – Nick del Bianco of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12

Top Blocking Performances
3 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Dominican Republic 25-9-12
3 – Bradley Kufske of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12
3 – Lucas Van Berkel of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12
3 – Ariel Acosta of Mexico v Canada 25-9-12

Top Service Ace Performances
3 - Nick del Bianco of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12
2 - Daniel Jansen Van Doorn of Canada v Mexico, 25-9-12

Highest Set Scores
26-24 Mexico v Canada (2nd Set) 25-9-12

Highest Scoring Matches
204 – Canada v Mexico (20-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-13, 15-13) 25-9-12
176 – Argentina v Dominican Republic (25-15, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17) 25-9-12

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