United States Claim Ticket to Paris 2024

ŁÓDŹ, Poland, September 24, 2024.- Reigning Olympic champions the United States qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Sunday when it defeated Germany 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-9, 25-16) at the FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier in Łódź, Poland.

United States finished the tournament with a 6-1 record. They qualified for their 11th straight Olympic Games and 13th overall. USA finished first in group C and also improved their world ranking to No. 2.

United States dominated Germany on the attack (69-41) led by opposite Annie Drews who entered the match as a substitute to start the second set and led all scorers with 27 points on a match-high 27 kills (.544 hitting efficiency).

 “My focus coming into tonight was to just be where my feet were and fill in the gaps as needed,” Drews said. “We sometimes talk about how we want to feel after the match is over. Can we truly say we have nothing left in the tank or finished with no regrets? So that was in the back of my mind tonight; playing in a way where I wouldn’t regret anything.”

 Outside hitter Jordan Larson added 17 points on 11 kills, a team-high three aces and three blocks. She also led the team in successful receptions with five and had 16 digs.

 “Really proud of our team for how we responded after a difficult loss (to Poland) yesterday,” said Larson, a three-time Olympic medalist. “Props to Germany for coming out strong in set one, but really proud of our team, which stayed steady and secured our ticket to Paris.”

 Germany led in blocks (10-8). The teams tied in aces (6-6) and Germany had one more scoring error (16-15).

USA outside hitter Kelsey (Robinson) Cook totaled 13 points on 12 kills and one ace. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu scored 10 points on five kills, a team-high four blocks and one ace.