Canada Needed Four Sets to Defeat Guatemala

LEÓN, Guanajuato, August 27, 2025. – Canada had to work hard to overcome Guatemala 3-1 (26-24, 25-19, 26-28, 25-19) and remain unbeaten at the 18th Men’s Pan American Cup, held at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

The defending champion now holds a 2-0 record in Pool B and will close the preliminary round on Thursday against Colombia. Guatemala, still seeking its first win, will face Puerto Rico in its next match.

The match turned out to be tougher than expected for the Canadians. In the first set, Guatemala surprised by staying ahead until reaching set point (24-23), with Andy Leonardo and Gerardo González leading the offense. However, Erik Siksna tied the score with a spike and then scored on a block to give Canada the advantage, eventually taking the set 26-24.

In the second frame, Canada showed more control, building a five-point lead (17-12) and maintaining it thanks to the effectiveness of Siksna and Jonas Van Huizen, securing the set 25-19.

Guatemala bounced back in the third set, taking a 20-17 lead with Leonardo at the front. The Central Americans forced a fourth set after edging Canada 28-26, with José Samayoa also contributing to the effort.

Canada closed the match in the fourth (25-19), capitalizing on its opponent’s errors and spreading the offense among Kristjanson, Canham, Van Huizen, and Duncanson.

Statistically, Canada outperformed Guatemala in attacks (54-35), blocks (10-3), and service points (7-3), though committed more errors (49-31).

Canadian Liam Kristjanson led all scorers with 17 points (10 kills, 2 blocks, and a match-high 5 aces). He was supported by Cole Duncanson with 13 points (10 kills, 3 blocks), Erik Siksna with 12 (8 kills, 3 blocks, 1 ace), and Jonas Van Huizen with 11, all on attacks.

For Guatemala, Andy Leonardo stood out with 16 points (13 kills, 1 block, 2 aces), while team captain Carlos López added 10 points, all on attacks.

Liam Kristjanson said about the match: “It was an exciting match. We created a lot of stress for ourselves. We give credit to Guatemala, they have some great players, and we knew they were going to battle hard. I was happy that our team was able to deal with the adversity they showed us. We’re happy to come out with the win and with some lessons in what we can improve. We’re 2-0 and that’s a good place to be and carry that record against Colombia”.

After the match, Andy Leonardo said: "We have great unity, we’re a group that has worked together for many years and that shows on the court. What we lack is more international experience to face stronger opponents. We are doing an excellent job; we’ve trained hard and given our best effort. We performed well today and yesterday too. We’ll keep moving forward because the competition continues. I support all my teammates; I’m one of the most experienced players here."