The neighbouring countries went head-to-head in a two-legged tie in Lansing and Montreal.

The Canadians got off to a perfect start away from as they picked up a 21-14 first match win in the Michigan capital.

Victory was ensured in the second half thanks to a remarkable streak of 10 unanswered points during which they prevented the Americans from scoring for 20 minutes.

The seven-point triumph meant Canada went to Quebec as favourites.

They duly delivered on expectations to take another clear win, this time by a 23-17 score line.

Canada's Myriam Zimmer and Emily Routhier starred in the tie as they each scored 10 goals in the doubleheader, while Maksi Pallas added six goals, with the three combining for 59 per cent of their team's goals.

Santiago 2023 marks the eighth time that Canada has competed in the Pan American Games women's handball tournament and the fifth consecutive appearance.

Their best finish came at Guadalajara 2011 as they came fifth, bettering the Rio de Janeiro 2007 finish by one place.

Progress has stagnated however, following successive seventh-placed results at Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019.

Handball at Santiago 2023 is set to take place at the Gimnasio Polideportivo de Viña del Mar from October 21 to November 1 next year.

Brazil won the 2019 Pan American Games gold medal, beating Argentina 30-21 in the final in Lima. 

They have both qualified for Santiago 2023, along with hosts and Paraguay, leaving just three places to be filled at the Games, due to take place between October 20 and November 5.