Chile kicks off Pan Am Games beating United States

LIMA, Peru, July 31, 2019. - Chile kicked off the Lima 2019 Pan American Games beating United States 3-1 (25-17, 25-17, 17-25, 25-22) in pool B at the Multisport Complex El Callao in Lima, Peru.

Chile´s dynamic performance and strength took United States off guard in the first two sets but USA’s hard effort recovery lasted only for a four set overtime South American victory.

Chile led in blocks 10-7 and United States in attacks 50-44; both teams aced four points, while Chile committed fewer unforced errors (20-34).

Chilean outside hitter Vicente Parraguirre scored a match-high of 20 points, his brother Tomas chipped in with 13 points all on kills and captain Dusan Bonacic scored 12 points. Outside hitter Colton Cowell topped United States with 17 points; joined by opposite Kyle Ensing with 13 points all on kills and middle blocker Price Jaman added 11 points.

Chile’s (1-0) next opponent in pool B is Brazil and United States (0-1) will face Mexico.

Comments:

Vicente Parraguirre, top scorer of Chile: “We are very glad to win in the first game, making a debut in a tournament is always difficult, especially against a team like United States. Their improvement in the third set took us by surprise, we needed more brains to keep our game level, and we recovered point by point by a slim margin”.

Daniel Nejamkin, Head coach of Chile: “Our performance in the first two sets was excellent, a dream come true. In the third set, we had doubts and the United States improved their serves a lot. The fourth set was the toughest up to point 20 and we sealed with two good serves and a block”.

Joshua Tuaniga, captain of United States:  “I think it was too late for us to start playing our game, it took us a while. Chile has a really good team, with good offense and they were serving tough”.