The Canadian women's volleyball team hasn't qualified for the Olympics since 1996.
But based on recent results, it looks like there's a good chance that drought could come to an end this weekend.
Canada secured its first NORCECA continental championship in team history with a 3-2 win (25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 18-25, 15-10) over the United States in the tournament final on Wednesday in the Dominican Republic.
By finishing in the top four, Canada reaches the four-team 2028 Olympic qualifier (excluding the host U.S., which is ranked fourth in the world) on Friday and Saturday in the Dominican Republic.
Canada, ranked eighth in the world, faces No. 26 Puerto Rico, and the 15th-ranked Dominican Republic meets No. 25 Cuba on Friday. The winners square off on Saturday for a spot in the Los Angeles Olympics.
Canada went 5-0 at the NORCECA event,
Anna Smrek led Canada with 20 points on 14 attacks, five blocks and one ace. Andrea Mitrovic added 16 points, all on kills, while Abby Guezen and Nyadholi Thokbuom contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Canada’s libero Kacey Jost was named most valuable player of the tournament.
"Today's victory is amazing because it's really a team victory," Canada coach Giovanni Guidetti said. "Our plan is to be the best we can be for Friday and Saturday's (Olympic qualifier). The players that played today were amazing and some players that were resting today came in for a short time and made a big difference.
"It's a gold medal that reflects how special this team is ... But there is no time to celebrate, now the focus is on Friday and Saturday, which is what we came here for and we'll keep our focus on that goal."
Canada and the U.S. host the 2027 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Cup next August and September.
