USA kicks off Boys’ U19 tournament in winning style

BURNABY, Canada, May 12, 2026: The United States kicked off the U19 Boys’ NORECECA Continental Championship with a decisive 3-0 (25-19, 25-9, 25-11) win over Panama today at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

USA dominated in attack points (41-22), blocks (4-0) and ace serves (5-2).

USA outside hitter Daniel Hornyak (8 attack points and 2 aces) and opposite Bryce Thistlethwaite (6 attack points, 2 blocks and 2 aces) led their team’s scoring with 10 points apiece.

Wen Downer led Panama’s scoring with 10 attack points.

USA Head Coach Andy Read said post-match: “For 12 of our players it’s their first international match, and I’m sure there were some nerves wearing the flag for the first time. I give Panama a lot of credit for coming out and playing well, and then I just think we put our stamp on the game… The whole goal of the tournament is that every time we play we want to play a bit better.”

USA, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic are in Group B; while host Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Barbados are in Group A.

The four top-ranked teams from this tournament will earn a berth to the U19 World Championship in 2027.