Thursday, July 25
Though the Pan American Games Lima 2019 officially kick off on July 26, several American athletes began their competitions a day early, with the U.S. men's softball team claiming their first victory of the tournament
Below are recaps of Team USA’s performances for the day. For live scores and results, please click here.
Bowling
The U.S. men’s doubles team of Jakob Butturff and Nick Pate finished its first block in second place behind Puerto Rico, earning a grand total of 2688 points over six games. They lead Mexico by seven points. Butturff and Pate will bowl six more games each in their second block on July 27.
Team USA’s Stefanie Johnson and Shannon O’Keefe teamed up in women’s doubles, finishing their first block in second place behind the Dominican Republic. They trail the first-place team by just 43 points and lead third-place Mexico by 12 points. Johnson and O’Keefe will bowl six more games each in their second block on July 27.
Softball
The U.S. men’s softball team defeated Venezuela, 8-3, in its first game of the preliminary round. Tied 3-3 after the first two innings, the U.S. went on to score five unanswered runs to earn the victory. The game included a first-inning home run by Matt Palazzo.
Squash
Olivia Blatchford Clyne and Andrew Douglas joined together on the U.S. mixed doubles team to defeat Peru in the quarterfinals. The U.S. won both games 11-3 to win the match and advance to the semifinals, which take place on July 27.
In the women’s singles quarterfinals, Blatchford Clyne and Amanda Sobhy both earned victories to advance to the semifinals. Blatchford Clyne defeated Mexico’s Diana Garcia Fierro, winning in three games, 11-8, 11-4 and 11-4. Sobhy – the defending Pan American champion – defeated Chile’s Giselle Delgado Castillo, also comfortably winning in three games, 11-4, 11-4 and 11-3.
Todd Harrity and Chris Hanson also found success on the squash court, with both earning victories in the men’s singles round of 16. Harrity defeated Argentina’s Leandro Romiglio, clinching victory in three games, 11-4, 11-7, and 11-3. Hanson also won in three straight games, defeating Guatemala’s Junior Enriquez Franco 11-4, 11-2 and 11-2.
Team Handball
The U.S. women defeated the Dominican Republic, 26-22, in their second match of preliminary round. A late goal by Jence Rhoads – just five seconds before the end of the first half – allowed the team to head into halftime with a 11-10 lead. Team USA never trailed in the second half, clinching a victory and improving to 1-1 in pool play.
Volleyball – Beach
Team USA’s Karissa Cook and Jace Pardon continued their strong performance with another preliminary round victory, defeating Costa Rica with two 21-11 sets. With this win, the team’s tournament record improves to 2-0.
The U.S. men’s team of Mark Burik and Ian Satterfield also had a successful day on the court, defeating Trinidad and Tobago in two sets, 21-13 and 21-16. The victory marks the team’s second win in the preliminary round as their record improves to 2-0.