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The United States could not convert on multiple match-points in a decisive fifth game overtime and its hopes of medaling at the Pan American Cup are done.
Canada fought-off two potential match-points during the eight-point overtime as it defeated the United States 27-29, 25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 19-17 in the Pan American Cup quarterfinals on Saturday in Reno, Nevada.
Despite the Canadian overtime comeback, the United States (1-3) rallied several times in the match to put itself in position to advance to the semifinals against Brazil (3-0).
The United States facing a one-game deficit had a five-point victory in the fourth game to extend the match to a decisive fifth game. It also fought off a Canadian match-point in the fifth game to force overtime and then survived another match-point early in the overtime.
Former Springfield All-American outside attacker Andrew Nally had a team-high 14 kills and was one of three U.S. players with double-digit kills against Canada (3-1). Former Lewis outside attacker Greg Petty also had 12 kills, while UC Irvine opposite Kyle Russell coming off the bench at the start of the third game added 12 kills.
Outside attacker Stephen Maar in the victory finished with a match-high 21 kills.
Canada out-blocked the United States 15 to 10, including middle attacker Braden Mclean who had a match-best six blocks. Both Loyola middle attacker Jeff Jendryk and Russell led the United States with three blocks.
With this loss, the United States will play either Puerto Rico or Mexico in a consolation match on Sunday.