The opening game of women’s pool play pitted No. 4 Argentina against fellow South American Games finalists Uruguay. Argentina didn’t appear to be in their prestige form but came out with a 2-0 win.

“It was a tough game and finally we won but we were anxious and nervous like every debut in important tournaments,” said Argentina’s Carla Rebecchi. “Now we are looking forward to playing against Canada. We had a good preparation with experienced players returned and I think we have a fantastic mix on our team.”

The Leonas established their presence early but both teams spent the opening half getting their touches to settle. Magdalena Gomez had an early circle entry for Uruguay but her near side shovel at goal was steered away easily by Argentina veteran Belen Succi’s glove. Argentina capitalized on their first penalty corner and it was the recently-returned Carla Rebecchi whose low drag flick beat Uruguay keeper Constance Schmidt-Liermann. Argentina’s Julieta Junkunas had a back-hand shot that rang off the far post to close out the quarter 1-0 for the Leonas.

In the second quarter Argentina had two penalty corners and several circle entries but weren’t able to find the back of the net. Teresa Viana was the good fortune of a bad clear from Succi and the striker crafted her way through a packed Argentina circle to release a shot that forced Succi to make a diving save. Rosario Luchetti had the best chance of the quarter for the Leonas after she eliminated two Cimarronas but her shot soared over the goal. Argentina remained ahead 1-0 at half time.

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Argentina was able to double their lead. Rebecchi’s penalty corner flick came off Schmidt-Liermann and Giselle Kanevsky was fouled on the rebound to draw a penalty stroke. Piti d’Elia rippled the top of the net from the spot to give Argentina the 2-0 reprieve. D’Elia then had a glorious attempt at goal after a Noel Barrionuevo drag flick came off the Uruguay keeper high in to the air. D’Elia’s full swing shot rang under the cross bar and out. In the final 20 seconds of the game Uruguay’s Camila de Maria had an open chance at goal but her quick release shot crashed off the post to leave Uruguay with a 2-0 loss but their best result against the Leonas since 2014.

“Playing in the Pan Am Games represents the most important tournament of the continent,” said Uruguay forward Teresa Viana. “It gives you the chance to play against elite teams and it’s a big challenge but we want to be on the podium for sure.”