Canada routs Venezuela in Day 2 of water polo
Dominique Perreault scores 3 goals in victory
Canada earned their first win of the Pan Am women's water polo tournament Wednesday afternoon, routing Venezuela by a score of 15-4. Dominique Perreault scored three goals in the victory as Canada increased their point total to three with a 1-1-0 record.
Emma Wright, the youngest player on Team Canada at 18, also made her presence felt with two goals. Stephanie Valin and Christine Robinson also contributed with a pair of goals. Krystina Alogbo, Carmen Eggens, Monika Eggens, Katie Monton, Joelle Bekhazi and Jakie Kohlie each added one goal in the blowout. Wednesday marked the second straight day where Canada provided a balanced attack, as they had seven different goal-scorers in Tuesday's draw with the Brazilians.
Great depth shown by Canada today. If not for the unlucky <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaeFournier">@ShaeFournier</a> being denied by the iron four times, every forward would have scored
—@waterpolocanadaThe Venezuelans never really got close in this one as they fell down by scores of 4-0 after the first quarter, 7-1 at the half and 11-2 after three.
Yineldy Araujo Marin, who scored three goals in Venezuela's opening day tie, was held to only one against the host nation. Dulce Hernandez Cabrera, Jeisnaimil Agelvis, and Samantha Torres Granda also added goals.
In other action, the United States dominated their opponent for the second straight day, handling Cuba 18-3, while the Argentinians defeated Mexico 10-8.
Day 1 women's summary
Canada opened their 2015 Toronto Pan American Games on Tuesday with a 7-7 tie against the Brazilians.
The preliminary round matches started so early so that the tournament can be completed in time for the World Aquatic Championships, which begin July 24 in Russia.
Brazil's Helene Badocco scored the tying goal with 2:33 left in the fourth period. Canadian goalkeeper Jessica Gaudreault helped preserve the draw with a brilliant save on Izabella Maizza Chiappini with 17 seconds left to play.
Canada regained possession but couldn't penetrate the tough Brazilian defence at the other end of the pool.
Wright, Robinson, Shae Fournier, Perrault, Monton, Alogbo and Monika Eggens scored for No. 8 Canada, which is ranked six positions ahead of Brazil.
"I think the first (game) is always a little bit rough," said Robinson, who is making her third Pan Am appearance. "This is the first Pan Ams for a lot of girls too so I think they were maybe feeling a little bit jittery and nervous.
"Now that we know what it's going to be like, we can just get back to the game. I think we'll be better tomorrow."
Day 1 men's summary
John Conway scored a hat trick for the Canadian men but it wasn't enough as they lost 11-9 to Brazil in their opener. Canada gave up four goals in the third period and a rally in the fourth fell short.
Justin Boyd added a pair of goals while Nicolas Bicari, Oliver Vikalo, Scott Robinson and George Torakis rounded out the Canadian attack.
In other men's matches, Venezuela tied Mexico 9-9 and the U.S. routed Ecuador 27-0.
Canada's men have the day off Wednesday before facing Venezuela on Thursday.
The men's tournament is an Olympic qualifier with the gold medallist booking a ticket to Rio de Janeiro next summer. Over 720 athletes will represent Canada in 36 sports at the Games, which continue through July 26.
WIth Files from The Canadian Press
With files from The Canadian Press