WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Former Purdue standout Annie Drews was among 10 Big Ten athletes that helped the U.S. Women's National Volleyball team secure a bid to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this past weekend.
Team USA, ranked third in the world, defeated No. 23 Kazakhstan in straight sets on Friday and came from behind to down No. 16 Bulgaria in five thrilling sets on Saturday before Sunday's win over No. 11 Argentina at the Tokyo Women's Volleyball Qualification Tournament Pool C in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Playing in two of the three matches, Drews tallied nine kills, including six kills against Kazakhstan in Team USA's opening match. The opposite also recorded two blocks and an ace against Kazakhstan. A two-time All-American, two-time All-Northeast Region and a two-time All-Big Ten selection for the Boilermakers, Drews will be the first Purdue volleyball alumni to represent the U.S. at the Olympics.
With the bid, Team USA is set to make its 12th appearance at the Olympics. In their previous 11 Olympic Games, the Americans claimed silver medals in 1984, 2008 and 2012 along with bronze medals in 1992 and 2016. The U.S. is the only country to reach the podium in women's indoor volleyball in each of the last three Olympic Games.
In addition to USA qualifying, Brazil, Serbia, Italy, Russia and defending champions China all qualified. As the host, Japan is also qualified for the 2020 Summer Games.
2019 FIVB Tokyo Women's Volleyball Qualification Tournament Pool C
Match 1 – Aug. 2, 2019
USA def. Kazakhstan 25-17, 25-10, 25-10
Match 2 – Aug. 3, 2019
USA def. Bulgaria 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10
Match 3 – Aug. 4, 2019
USA def. Argentina 25-22, 25-17, 25-13
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— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 4, 2019
The women of @usavolleyball are SET for the #TokyoOlympics!
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