Canada Throws a Block Party in Win Over Puerto Rico

MORELOS, Mexico, August 10, 2026.- Canada dominated at the net with 19 blocks to defeat Puerto Rico 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-11) in Pool A of the 19th Men’s Pan American Cup at Poliforum 2 of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).

Canada bounced back after dropping the opening set to earn its second victory of the tournament. On day three of competition, Canada will face Costa Rica, while Puerto Rico will take on the United States.

Canada’s 19-5 advantage in blocks proved to be the difference in the match. The Canadians also led in kills 40-34 and aces 7-3, while conceding 34 points from errors compared to Puerto Rico’s 29.

Daniil Hershtynovich led Canada with 17 points, followed by Trent Cherewaty with 13, Kaden Schmidt with 12 and Erik Siksna with 10. Pedro Molina was Puerto Rico’s top scorer with 10 points.

Puerto Rico took the opening set 25-20, but Canada responded immediately in the second. The teams remained close through much of the set before Canada pulled ahead in the closing stages. A block by Schmidt sealed the 25-21 win and evened the match at one set apiece.

The third set developed into another tight battle. Puerto Rico held a 16-15 advantage before Canada regained control. The Canadians moved ahead 18-16 and, with their blocking becoming increasingly effective, built a 23-17 advantage before closing the set 25-19.

Canada completely took over in the fourth. The Canadians opened with five unanswered points, including three blocks, forcing Puerto Rico into an early timeout. Canada continued to dominate at the net and quickly stretched the advantage to 10-2. Puerto Rico was unable to slow Canada’s momentum as the lead grew to 15-6 and 20-8 before the Canadians closed out the match 25-11.

Daniil Hershtynovich, Canada’s leading scorer: “We had a nice game plan, and it really showed in the second, third and fourth sets. We know we’re a good blocking team, and as long as we have a good game plan and put our hands on the other side of the net, it’s pretty hard to beat us. Tomorrow we face Costa Rica. We’ll watch video, prepare with the same approach and try to do the same thing.”

Jamille Torres, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “We knew we were coming into a tough tournament. In Puerto Rico, we say that a good slap at the right time can be a good thing. Things have gone very well for us throughout the year, and we needed someone to open our eyes.”