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Bossier City, USA, August 4, 2019 – USA clinched their berth into the 2020 Olympic Games by claiming a 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-13) win over Argentina on Sunday afternoon in Bossier City, Louisiana. Karch Kiraly (USA head coach): "We can be really proud with how we fought through here, especially the challenge that Bulgaria threw at us down two sets to one and the nice response we put together. This is huge for the program. Everybody knows that we are going to Tokyo. We got that ticket locked in. We worked really hard for that this year. That helps in the planning, and it makes it that much closer in the distance. It is not that much distance to Tokyo.” Kiraly on USA's depth at the pin hitter positions: "We are really lucky to have great depth in positions like the outside position. Four world-class outside hitters in Kim Hill, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Kelsey Robinson and Jordan Larson. And some great work by Annie Drews and Jordan Thompson. That is just two of positions where we have a lot of depth and a good blend of experience and youth. They have come together and worked very hard to earn this. They have a lot to be proud of." Haleigh Washington (USA player): "It feels amazing. There was a point where I was on the floor, and I was in this moment where I was ‘we are playing to go to the Olympics right now.’ That’s what this match meant. It is surreal. It is amazing. I am exciting to the next grind and going to Tokyo." Washington on what is next: "We rest for the first two weeks and take some time off. Rest, recover. It is a grind. We got to get ready for World Cup." Tori Dixon (USA player): “I am really glad with how we played, how we performed. It is a best birthday present ever, honestly.” Dixon on the change from the opening set to the final two sets: “We were making some uncharacteristic mistakes. We weren’t playing ourselves. We calmed down in the second set and played USA Volleyball.” Dixon on the play of outside hitters Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson and opposite Jordan Thompson: "Our outsides and Jordan Thompson did a great job. They came in and carried a big load all summer long, especially today." Megan Courtney (USA player): "I mean we talk about it all the time. This was our big goal for the year. VNL win was good, but our main tournament was focusing on the Olympic qualifier. We took care of business although it wasn’t easy, teams definitely give it to us. We had to earn it. Just really excited for this team’s opportunity to play in Tokyo.” USA Player Jordan Thompson: "I just think it is really exciting to be a part of it. I know that, even when I am on the bench, I am just as much as part of it as those on the court. We always say that we are 14 players strong, and we really mean that. When Annie is on the bench or when I am on the bench, we are always being really good eyes for the other person." Thompson on going back to University of Cincinnati this autumn: "This experience is only going to help me going back to college, and adjusting back to the level of play in college. I am going to hopefully help my teammates, and share what I have learned this summer." Subscribe NOW http://bit.do/FIVB-Sub Get ALL the Volleyball Action https://volleyballworld.tv FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volleyballworld/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIVBVolleyballWorld/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fivbvolleyball More info: http://fivb.com/
