Canada reaches semifinals in men’s and women’s water polo at 2019 Pan American Games

Krystina Alogbo (Vincent Ethier, Canadian Olympic Committee)

Team Canada is in the semifinals in men’s and women’s water polo at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. In Thursday quarterfinal men’s action, Canada just go by Mexico 13-11 in a narrow result, while in women’s water polo, Canada trounced Venezuela 22-3.

In Canada’s two goal win over Mexico, the Canadians actually trailed Mexico 8-7 at halftime, but stormed back by outscoring Mexico 6-3 in the second half for the 13-11 win. Canada was led in scoring by Nicolas Constantin-Bicari of Montreal, Quebec and Reuel D’Souza of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia who had four goals each. Gaelan Patterson of Vancouver, British Columbia and Matthew Halajian of Edmonton, Alberta had two goals each, while Jeremie Cote of Montreal, Quebec scored once.

With the win, Canada will play Brazil in the men’s semifinal on Friday. Argentina plays the United States in the other semifinal. The winner of the men’s water polo tournament at the 2019 Pan American Games will participate at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

In Canada’s 19 goal win over Venezuela in women’s action, Krystina Alogbo of Montreal, Quebec led Team Canada with five goals. Other Canadians with multi-goal performances were Emma Wright of Lindsay, Ontario (three goals), Joelle Bekhazi of Hamilton, Ontario (three goals), Shae Fournier of Calgary, Alberta (three goals), Axele Crevier of Montreal, Quebec (two goals), and Kyra Christmas of High River, Alberta (two goals). The four players with one goal were Monika Eggens of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Kelly McKee of Calgary, Alberta, Hayley McKelvey of Delta, British Columbia and Kindred Paul of Spruce Grove, Alberta.

Canada can clinch a spot to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo if they beat Brazil in one semifinal and the United States beats Cuba in the other semifinal. That is because the United States has already advanced to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo by being the 2019 FINA World League champion.

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