U.S. gets strong performance from DeFalco in quarterfinals loss

A tournament-best performance from Long Beach State All-American outside attacker TJ DeFalco was not enough to get the United States past Canada in the Pan American Cup.

The Loyola All-American wasDeFalco had a both a team-high 20 kills and three blocks as the United States lost to Canada 26-24, 26-28, 25-19, 31-29 in the Pan American Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday in Mexico City.

DeFalco was the only U.S. player with double-digit kills in the team’s first loss at the continental event. Former Pepperdine outside attacker Josh Taylor had eight kills, while Loyola middle attacker Jeff Jendryk added seven kills.

Canadian outside attacker Stephen Maar finished with a match-high 25 kills to help his team advance to the semifinals.

Canada out-blocked the United States 12 to 9. It also had eight aces in the quarterfinals victory — three more than the United States.

The United States entered the quarterfinals after going undefeated in group-play and winning the Group A title.

With this loss, the United States will play in the fifth-place consolation match against Mexico or the Dominican Republic on Thursday.