Akers and Niles-Hanson had control of game one from the start, cruising to an eventual 21-15 win. Game two was more of a battle, as the U.S. duo found themselves down 8-11 midway through the game, but they rallied off six straight points and fought their way back, hanging on for a 21-17 victory.

“We didn’t play as well as we could have,” Akers said following the match. “We gave up too many points and didn’t play with as much flexibility as we need to. Fortunately we were able to come up with a win, but we need to play better tomorrow if we want to be in the finals.”

Niles-Hanson agreed. “We didn’t side out well and we should have had better serves. It was good for us to be down and have to come back from behind. We are learning more with each game.”

Akers and Niles-Hanson begin quarterfinal play against either Mexico or Uruguay on July 19 at 8 p.m. local/7 p.m. ET. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played with single elimination. Quarterfinals feature matches of Pool E winner versus Pool H second-place finisher, Pool H winner versus Pool E second-place finisher, Pool F winner versus Pool G second-place finisher and Pool G winner versus Pool F second-place finisher. Semifinals follow on July 20 and the championship will be held July 21 at 7 p.m. ET.

Akers and Niles Hanson are attempting to become just the second U.S. beach medalist in the history of the Pan American Games. Jennifer Palvey and Marsha Miller won silver medals in 1999.