Recap of Day 1 in Santiago, Chile

Colombia - Puerto Rico 65-68
In one of the most competitive games on the opening day of the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Santiago, Puerto Rico edged out Colombia 68-65 in a closely fought match. Colombia delivered a strong offensive effort, led by Jenifer Munoz (170-F-1991) who scored 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Manuela Rios (163-G-1997) added 20 points and 3 assists, while Daniela Gonzalez (183-F-2002, college: S.Florida) contributed with 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Puerto Rico responded with a balanced performance. Guirantes Arella (181-SG-1997, college: Rutgers) finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds, and India Pagan (185-F-1999, college: Stony Brook) added 14 points and 4 rebounds to help secure the win. Despite Colombia's efforts, they couldn't close the gap in the final minutes. Puerto Rico opened their campaign with a hard-earned victory.

El Salvador - Canada 34-100
The 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup began with a powerful statement from Team Canada, who overwhelmed El Salvador 100-34 in the opening game. From the first possession, Canada controlled the pace and tempo, using their size, depth, and athleticism to suffocate El Salvador on both ends of the floor. All twelve Canadian players scored at least four points in a balanced and ruthless team display. Tara Wallack (188-G-2003) led the charge with 11 points, while Yvonne Ejim (185-F-2002, college: Gonzaga) pulled down 12 rebounds alongside 8 points. Phillipina Kyei (203-C-2003) added 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in an all-around performance. El Salvador had few answers. Kim Villalobos (188-F-2001) and Gabriela Escobar (162-G-2007) each scored 8 points, but the Central American side struggled to cope with Canada's physicality and ball movement. This dominant win sends a clear message to the rest of the field: Canada is here with serious intent.

Argentina - Brazil 50-71
In the second game of Day 1, Brazil outlasted a gritty Argentina team 71-50, taking control from the first quarter of this South American showdown. Brazilian forward Damiris Dantas (191-F-1992) was nearly unstoppable, scoring 24 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, while Kamilla Cardoso (201-C-2001, college: S.Carolina) contributed 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in a dominant frontcourt display. Vitoria Marcelino (181-PF-1996) added 13 points and 6 rebounds off the bench, providing a needed spark when Brazil's offense initially stalled. Argentina was leaning on veteran guard Melisa Gretter (166-PG-1993), who finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. However, Brazil's depth and strength in the paint ultimately wore them down. Agostina Burani (186-F/C-1991) chipped in 8 points and 5 rebounds for Argentina, who now face an uphill battle in the group stage. Brazil looks sharp and confident as they aim for a deep run in the tournament.