Hosts United States secured qualification for the women’s Pan American Hockey Cup semi-finals as Pool B winners after thrashing Brazil in Lancaster in Pennsylvania today ©PAHF/Twitter

Hosts United States secured qualification for the women’s Pan American Hockey Cup semi-finals as Pool B winners after thrashing Brazil in Lancaster in Pennsylvania today.

Following Canada’s 4-0 victory over Mexico earlier in the day, the US needed to win by a margin of eight goals to clinch top spot and they achieved just that with a 9-0 success at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex.

Taylor West scored a hat-trick for the Americans, while Jill Witmer, Loren Healy and Kathleen Sharkey all bagged braces.

Brienne Stairs was influential in Canada’s win over Mexico, scoring a hat-trick.

Stephanie Norlander also got on the scoresheet.

Awaiting the US in the semi-finals are Chile, who ensured second spot in Pool A with a 2-0 victory over South American rivals Uruguay.

Camila Caram and Manuela Urroz scored the crucial goals for the Chileans.

Chile secured the runners-up spot in Pool A with a 2-0 win over Uruguay ©PAHF/Twitter
Chile secured the runners-up spot in Pool A with a 2-0 win over Uruguay ©PAHF/Twitter

Canada will face Pool A winners and four-time reigning champions Argentina in the other semi-final.

Both last-four encounters are scheduled for Friday (August 11) and will be preceded by the battle to avoid finishing in last position between Uruguay and Brazil.

Tomorrow will see the men’s event resume with the semi-finals.

Argentina meet Trinidad and Tobago, while Canada go up against the US.