Team Canada has won their first games in men’s and women’s water polo at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. In women’s action, Canada trounced Cuba 20-5 and in men’s action, Canada hammered Puerto Rico 20-7.
In women’s water polo play, two Canadian players led the team offensively with four goals each. They were Axelle Crevier of Montreal, Quebec and Shae Fournier of Calgary, Alberta. Players with three goals were Emma Wright of Lindsay, Ontario and Monika Eggens of Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Krystina Alogbo of Montreal, Quebec and Joelle Bekhazi of Hamilton, Ontario each scored twice, while Kelly McKee and Kindred Paul of Spruce Grove, Alberta each scored once.
In men’s water polo play, Nicolas Constantin-Bicari of Montreal, Quebec led Team Canada with five goals. Matthew Halajian of Edmonton, Alberta, Aleksa Gardijan of Gatineau, Quebec and Reuel D’Souza of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia each notched hat tricks. Georgios Torakis of Montreal, Quebec and Aria Soleimanipak of Calgary, Alberta scored two goals each and Jeremie Cote of Montreal, Quebec and Mark Spooner of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia each scored once. The winner in men’s and women’s water polo from the 2019 Pan American Games will participate at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.However, if the United States wins gold in women’s water polo action, the silver medalist also qualifies.
