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It didn’t take long for former Ohio State opposite Jake Hanes to put up big offensive numbers at the Pan American Cup.
Hanes finished with a match-high 18 kills on a .485 attack percentage as the United States swept the Dominican Republic 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 in its pool-play opener on Tuesday at the international tournament in Canada.
Hanes was one of four U.S. players with at least five kills against the Dominican Republic. Former Hawai’i middle attacker Patrick Gasman had eight kills and a team-high three blocks, while Penn State outside attacker Brett Wildman added seven kills.
UCLA middle attacker Merrick McHenry also contributed five kills and two blocks.
Former Ball State setter Quinn Isaacson guided the United States to out-hit the Dominican Republic .244 to .074.
The United States defensively limited the Dominican Republic to one ace. In addition, former UC San Diego outside attacker Kyle McCauley and Wildman both had double-digit excellent service receptions and did not commit a service reception error.
Long Beach State libero Mason Briggs also led all players with 13 digs.
Opposite Henry Tapia in the loss had a team-high 14 kills but was the only Dominican Republic player to have more than five kills.
The United States committed 20 service errors during the sweep – 10 more service errors than the Dominican Republic.
The three-match pool-play round will continue with the United States playing Chile on Wednesday. If the United States beats Chile, it will clinch a berth to the quarterfinals.