The Canadian women's vollleyball team punched its ticket to the Olympics for the first time since 1996 on Saturday with a 3-1 win (25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-14) over the host Dominican Republic in the final of the NORCECA Continental Qualifier in Santo Domingo.
Canada's Kiera Van Ryk and Alexa Gray led all scorers with 22 points apiece to help the team book a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Canada led in attack points (56-40) and blocks (8-7).
"This team, it means everything to me, and I'm so happy to represent Canada," Gray said after the win. "I'm just so overjoyed. I can't even explain the feeling."
The Canadians swept Puerto Rico 3-0 to open the four-team Olympic qualifier on Friday. Cuba defeated Puerto Rico in straight sets to finish third earlier Saturday.
Canada won its first NORCECA Women's Continental Championship on Wednesday after going 5-0 in the tournament, defeating the United States in the final.
The Canadian women's team finished tied for ninth at the Atlanta Games in 1996.
Canada also advanced to the Volleyball Nationals League Finals for the first time ever in July, in what is likely the best summer for the Canadian women on record.
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