A big time for Venezuela: first Olympic berth also for Women’s team, after the Men’s South American Olympic Qualification victory

Venezuela will have both its Volleyball teams at Beijing Olympic Games. A first time ever for the Men’s team, qualified in Argentina, and the same for the Women’s squad, which won as well the South American Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Playing in Lima, Peru, the Women national team of Venezuela beat the home team in the last game of the South American Beijing Qualification Tournament and got its place for the Olympic Games. Venezuela won 3 - 2 (25-22, 25-27, 25-22, 22-25, 15-12).

In the first set the visiting team led the score most of the time, with a great performance of the spikers. Venezuela easily scored 23-16 but, with the help of the crowd, Peru made less mistakes and scored a lot of points, till 22-24. Despite Peruvians efforts, Jayce Andrade, from Venezuela, closed the set 25-22.

In the second set the two teams put up a fight point by point and both teams played very good Volleyball. The teams often exchanged the leadership of the match until the scored reached 25-25. Peru won 27-25 and kept believing in the victory.

The story of the third set was similar to the first one. Venezuela confidence kept growing and the visiting team led the score 13-8. Peru tried to react, and tied 13-13. The match continued with an exciting 20-20 draw, but Venezuela was very comfortable and closed the set 25-22.

The 6.000 people cheering for Peru made the team return on the court more offensive. The spikers showed a good technique and brought their team ahead of the set. Soon, Venezuela reacted and won 25-22 taking the game to the tie break.

The last set was the most competitive of the game: the most exciting moment happened when the score showed 10-10. The teams were fighting like titans until Jesica Paz ended the game with a perfect block. Venezuela ensured the victory (15-12) and qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The road to Beijing - Olympic Games 2008 Women's Volleyball
1. China (host country)
2. Italy (1. World Cup)
3. Brazil (2. World Cup)
4. USA (3. World Cup)
5. (African Qualification Tournament)
6. (Asian Qualification Tournament) *
7. (European Qualification Tournament)
8. Cuba (Norceca Qualification Tournament)
9. Venezuela (South American Qualification Tournament)
10. (World Qualification Tournament)
11. (World Qualification Tournament)
12. (World Qualification Tournament)

*The Asian Continental Qualification Tournaments are played combined with the World Olympic Qualification Tournaments in Japan

(FIVB)