Argentina's Mariano Giustiniano spikes for one of his match-high 26 points in the victory over Canada in Santo Domingo on Monday

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 9, 2012 – Argentina and Dominican Republic in Pool A and Brazil and USA in Pool B, all came out winners on the first day of action of the Men’s Pan American Cup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Monday.

The eight-team competition will qualify the best ranked team, not already included in the 2013 FIVB World League, for the Qualification Tournament later this year.

Argentina defeated Canada 25-20, 17-25, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14 in almost two hours of thrilling battle to open the actions in Pool A.

Mariano Giustiniano of Argentina led the scores with a match-high 26 points, followed by his teammates Gonzalo Quiroga (20) and Gonzalo Lapera (13). Canada’s Dane Pischke had 22, while Steven Marshall (19), Maxwell Burt (13) and Christopher Hoag (10) completed the scorers in double digits.

Defending champions Brazil started with a straight sets (25-15, 25-15, 25-16) victory over Mexico in Pool B.

The superiority of the Brazilians showed in the advantages they got in attacks (34-27), blocks (8-1) and aces (11-2). Brazil’s Mauricio Borges topped the scorers with 15 points while teammate opposite Cargnin and middle blocker Gustavo Bonatto both added 10. Daniel Vargas scored 11 for the losers.

United States, represented by their second unit, debuted with an easy straight sets  (25-17, 25-19, 25-12) victory over Venezuela in Pool B.

The winners relied on a well balanced offense led by Daniel McDonnell and Taylor Sander each with 12 points, while Antonio Ciarelli added 10. Venezuela’s captain Kervin Piñerua had 11 as the only in player double figures for the losers.

Dominican Republic overcame a resilient Trinidad and Tobago in Pool A with a straight sets (25-13, 25-19, 30-28) victory in the last match of the opening day.

Dominican opposite José Miguel Caceres was the top scorer with 19 points, followed by Elvis Contreras with 17 and Elnis Palomino with 11. Veteran Nolan Tash once again was the most distinguished for his team registering 14 points while Marc Honore scored 11.

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