Courtesy: Stanford Athletics
LINCOLN, Neb. - Led by Cardinal alum Foluke Akinradewo, the No. 1 U.S. Women's National Team seized its 2016 Olympic Games berth after defeating No. 7 Dominican Republic 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 on Saturday to conclude the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament in front of 10,213 fans at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The U.S., which also clinched an Olympic Games spot on domestic soil back in 2000, finished the tournament 3-0, while Dominican Republic ends the tournament at 2-1. The Dominican Republic will channel its focus on Olympic qualification with a last opportunity in May at the World Olympic Qualifier in Japan.
Akinradewo, who played at Stanford from 2005-08, ignited the American offense with 12 points via 10 kills on 21 attacks. Nicole Fawcett, the tournament's most valuable player, added 10 points on nine kills via 19 errorless attacks. Jordan Larson, the first best spiker in the tournament, earned nine points, all on kills through 23 attacks.
“It is fantastic,” Akinradewo said on the feeling of winning Olympic qualification on home soil. “The fan support has been amazing from the get-go. Lincoln did a really good job. Usually we are overseas and we don't have support. I am really happy we are a step closer to winning Olympic gold.”
Larson, who played at University of Nebraska in Lincoln before joining the U.S. Women's National Team in 2009, echoed Akinradewo's thoughts.
“There are no words to describe it,” said Larson, who had the vocal crowd support behind her. “It is unbelievable. I am happy that all the fans came out to support us. Obviously we have played Dominican Republic a lot. We know a lot of about. We had a good game plan going in and executed well.”
Alisha Glass, selected as the tournament's best setter, and Courtney Thompson set Team USA to a 44.12 kill percent and .353 hitting efficiency. Glass was credited with 22 running sets, while Thompson had five.
Tori Dixon, named the second best middle blocker, contributed nine points with eight kills on 12 swings and a block. Kelsey Robinson, selected as the best receiver, and Karsta Lowe each pocketed four points and Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.) rounded out the scoring with one point.
Brayelin Martinez led Dominican Republic with 15 points, while Prisilla Rivera and Gina Mambru added seven points.
The U.S. held a 45-37 advantage in kills and benefited from 26 Dominican Republic errors.
“What a fabulous atmosphere it was here, a huge crowd that was going crazy for USA,” U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. “Three former Huskers playing big roles for USA. It is so nice to have a crowd. It is a huge advantage and we were fortunate to host this and book our ticket to Rio. We are really excited to do it in a venue like this and in a place that supports volleyball so fiercely.”
The U.S. has now won six of its last seven tournaments including the 2014 FIVB World Championship, 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, Pan American Games, Pan American Cup and NORCECA Continental Championship. Team USA finished with the bronze at 2015 FIVB World Cup, its only tournament it failed to win. The Americans needed to finish first or second at the World Cup to earn an Olympic bid in the first qualifying tournament.
2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament Results
Jan. 7
Dominican Republic def. Puerto Rico 17‐25, 25‐13, 25‐23, 25‐23
USA def. Canada 25-18, 25-18, 25-15
Jan. 8
Dominican Republic def. Canada 25-27, 25-16, 26-24, 25-21
USA def. Puerto Rico 25-14, 24-26, 25-12, 25-14
Jan. 9
Canada def. Puerto Rico 32-30, 25-17, 25-20
USA def. Dominican Republic 25-19, 25-19, 25-18
Courtesy of USA Volleyball